Metro

Married NYC teacher — who once posted about ‘helping kids understand consent’ — charged with raping 14-year-old student

By
Susan Edelman and
David Propper
Published Aug. 23, 2023
Updated Aug. 23, 2023, 9:22 a.m. ET
NYC teacher charged with raping, sexually abusing 14-year-old student
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A Queens middle school teacher was arrested Tuesday for allegedly raping a 14-year-old student, police said — after once posting on social media about “helping kids understand consent.”

Melissa Rockensies, a married 33-year-old teacher at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, was arrested over the disturbing allegations around 10:30 a.m. in Queens, according to cops.

It wasn’t clear whether the alleged rape happened on or off campus.

Melissa Rockensies, a 33-year-old teacher at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, was arrested over the disturbing allegations around 10:30 a.m. in Queens, according to cops.
Melissa Rockensies, a 33-year-old teacher at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, was arrested over the disturbing allegations around 10:30 a.m. in Queens, according to cops. Facebook
Rockensies was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17-year-old, the NYPD said.
Rockensies was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old, the NYPD said. Obtained by NY Post

Rockensies was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old, the NYPD said.

Ironically, an October 2021 post shared on a Facebook page that appears to belong to Rockensies highlighted how to help “kids understand consent.”

Part of the PSA infographic advised adults to ask if a child would like to give a relative a hug, rather than demanding that they hug their relative.

It also advised parents to make it clear to their children that they should not keep secrets from their family.  

Ironically, an October 2021 post shared on a Facebook page that appears to belong to Rockensies highlighted how to help "kids understand consent."
Ironically, an October 2021 post shared on a Facebook page that appears to belong to Rockensies highlighted how to help “kids understand consent.” Facebook
It wasn't clear whether the alleged rape happened on- or off-campus of the Corona Arts and Sciences Academy.
It wasn’t clear whether the alleged rape happened on or off the campus of the Corona Arts and Sciences Academy. Google maps

A DOE spokesperson reportedly said Rockensies, who earned about $85,000 last year, was reassigned from the school pending the outcome of her case.

“This alleged behavior is extremely concerning and wholly unacceptable,” the spokesperson said in a statement to local outlet QNS, adding that if Rockensies is convicted, the DOE will move to have her terminated.