A former Arizona educator has been sentenced to 187 years in prison following his conviction for engaging in sexual relationships with two of his teenage students. Cory Kapahulehua, 44, was found guilty of the charges related to his tenure at the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center public charter school in Mesa.
The victims, aged 14 and 17 at the time of the incidents, were subjected to sexual assaults in various locations including the school campus, hotels, Kapahulehua’s apartment, and nearby parking garages, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
In a shocking twist, Kapahulehua initiated an online fundraiser to cover the moving expenses of the older student from her parents’ home to his own. The two eventually cohabitated when the student turned 18.
The abuse began in August 2021, shortly after Kapahulehua met the girls while teaching at the school. The school administration terminated his employment in January 2022 following the emergence of allegations against him.
However, the abuse continued beyond his dismissal, as per the prosecution’s claims. Kapahulehua was finally arrested in January 2023 after both victims came forward with their accusations.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell commended the victims for their bravery in a statement. “This defendant used his position as a teacher to groom these students and take advantage of their trust,” she said. “I’m proud of these girls for having the courage to come forward and stop him from victimizing any children ever again.”
Kapahulehua, who is also an Army veteran, was convicted on 17 counts of child sex abuse and rape.