A Texas school teacher has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a 13-year-old student. Adriana Rullan, 30, was convicted by a jury on multiple charges, including sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child by sexual contact, and having an improper relationship between an educator and a student.
Court Ruling and Sentence
The court ordered Rullan to serve 30 years behind bars and pay $20,000 (approximately £18,000) in fines. The two-day trial in Webb County, Texas, heard evidence from the victim, as well as text messages, photos, and video recordings.
Rullan, who taught at Gonzalez Middle School in Laredo, denied the charges but was found guilty after trial. It remains unclear whether she intends to appeal the sentence; she remains in custody.
Victim Impact
The teenage victim told jurors that the abuse cost him friendships, his sense of self, and nearly his life, according to local outlet KGNS. His mother also spoke, blaming Rullan for her son's depression and anxiety.
She described Rullan as 'manipulative and should never be able to hurt another child,' highlighting the emotional toll the ongoing relationship had taken on their family.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began in November 2023 after the victim's parents contacted the United Independent School District Police Department upon learning of the relationship. Police seized the boy's phone and found communication revealing the relationship, providing 'significant evidence supporting the charges,' a spokesperson for the Webb County District Attorney's Office said.
Rullan was arrested in December 2023 and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case has drawn attention to educator misconduct and the importance of safeguarding students.
