Police Department

Spokane Teacher Arrested For Sex Crimes Against A Child

Officer T. Leming, PIO

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11 a.m.

On February 12, 2026 around 3:30 p.m., Spokane police officers responded to a local school for a report of a sex crime. The principal of the school called police to report a family member of a student had disclosed to them statements the child made regarding possible sex acts with an adult female teacher.

When officers arrived and took the initial report, they obtained statements and evidence to believe these allegations were founded. SPD’s Special Victims Unit was called and took over the investigation.

SVU worked tirelessly over the past month to obtain evidence and solidify the investigation. SVU developed probable cause to arrest Mahayla Benavides (32) for Rape of a Child in the First Degree and Child Molestation in the First Degree. Rape of a Child in the First Degree occurs when a person has sexual intercourse with another who is less than twelve years old and the perpetrator is at least twenty-four months older than the victim.

Spokane School District 81 acted quickly once this information was brought to their attention, promptly separating Benavides from the child and further school access, and calling police. The school district’s swift actions and cooperation played a vital role in this investigation and prevented further harm.

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