Adriana Rullan, a 30-year-old former middle school teacher in Texas, was sentenced to 33 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a 13-year-old student. A Webb County jury found her guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14, along with additional charges of indecency with a child by sexual contact and an improper relationship between an educator and a student. These sentences will run concurrently, and Rullan was also ordered to pay $20,000 in fines.
The trial lasted two days, during which prosecutors presented testimony from six witnesses and various pieces of evidence, including text messages, photographs, and video recordings. During the sentencing phase, the victim described the negative impact of the abuse on his life, including loss of friendships and struggles with mental health. The victim's mother also spoke to the jury, expressing her belief that Rullan should not be allowed to harm another child.
The jury reached their verdict after less than two hours of deliberation. The investigation into Rullan began on November 27, 2023, after the victim's parents reported concerns about an inappropriate relationship to the United Independent School District Police Department. A forensic examination of the victim's cellphone provided evidence that supported the charges against Rullan, who was arrested the following month and pleaded not guilty to all charges. It is currently unclear if she plans to appeal the decision.