by MESA, ARIZONA — A former Arizona teacher will spend nearly two centuries in prison for sexually abusing two of his underage students — one of whom he later lived with after raising money online to move her out of her parents’ home.
44-year-old Cory Kapahulehua, a teacher at the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center (AAEC) public charter school in Mesa, was sentenced in late October to 187 years behind bars following his conviction on 17 counts of child sexual abuse and rape.
Prosecutors say Kapahulehua’s crimes represent one of the most egregious cases of teacher misconduct in the state’s history, marked by deceit, manipulation, and a disturbing abuse of power.
Teacher Groomed Students and Abused His Authority
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Kapahulehua began grooming and sexually assaulting two students shortly after meeting them at the start of the school year in August 2021. The victims were just 14 and 17 years old when the abuse began.
Investigators said the sexual encounters occurred on school grounds, in hotels, inside his apartment, and even in parking garages near the campus. The repeated assaults continued for months before the teacher’s actions came to light.
“This defendant used his position as a teacher to groom these students and take advantage of their trust,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a statement. “I’m proud of these girls for having the courage to come forward and stop him from victimizing any children ever again.”
Disturbing Fundraiser to Move Teen Into His Home
Perhaps the most shocking part of the case came when Kapahulehua publicly launched an online fundraiser while still teaching, claiming he needed money to “help a student in need.”
Prosecutors say the “student” he was referring to was the 17-year-old girl he had already begun sexually abusing. He used the funds to move her out of her parents’ house and into his own apartment, while she was still legally a minor.
The two reportedly began living together after she turned 18, but authorities said the abuse had begun long before. The move and fundraiser revealed a pattern of calculated manipulation, showing how Kapahulehua weaponized sympathy to conceal predatory behavior.
Abuse Continued Even After His Firing
The Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center fired Kapahulehua in January 2022 after school officials were alerted to potential misconduct. However, prosecutors said the abuse did not stop immediately.
Even after his dismissal, Kapahulehua allegedly maintained contact with both victims and continued to exploit them until January 2023, when he was finally arrested following detailed reports from both girls.
Both victims came forward separately, providing consistent accounts of their abuse and helping investigators uncover the full scope of Kapahulehua’s crimes.
Prosecutors Condemn “Calculated Predator”
During sentencing, prosecutors described Kapahulehua as a “calculated predator” who manipulated his role as an educator to gain the trust of his victims and their families.
“He used the classroom as a place to identify and groom vulnerable girls,” one prosecutor told the court. “He violated not only their bodies but the sanctity of a place meant to protect them.”
Kapahulehua, an Army veteran, showed little remorse during the trial, according to courtroom observers. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, noting that each count carried a consecutive sentence, adding up to 187 years in prison — effectively ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Victims’ Courage Praised by Investigators
Authorities praised the two young victims for their bravery in coming forward, saying their cooperation helped bring a dangerous predator to justice.
“These survivors endured unimaginable trauma at the hands of someone they were taught to trust,” County Attorney Mitchell said. “Their courage means he will never hurt another child again.”
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The case has reignited discussion among Arizona educators and parents about the need for stronger background checks and oversight within charter schools, where hiring and monitoring processes can vary.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Reforms
Following Kapahulehua’s conviction, state education officials pledged to review how such cases are handled and whether additional safeguards can be implemented to prevent teacher-student boundary violations.
Parents and advocacy groups have also called for mandatory digital monitoring policies, noting how Kapahulehua used online tools — including social media and crowdfunding platforms — to further his grooming tactics.
“This was an abuse of trust at every level,” one parent said. “Teachers are supposed to protect students, not prey on them.”
As Kapahulehua begins his 187-year sentence, community members in Mesa say they hope the case serves as a warning and a wake-up call about the dangers of unchecked access between educators and students.
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