Former Corpus Christi teacher admits to sending obscene photos to minor

A 27-year-old former Catholic school teacher pleaded guilty to sending obscene photos to a minor in 2019. 

Lazaro Benito Rocha, of Odem, admitted to responding to an ad on Craigslist advertising a "good time" with a teenage girl, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. 

"He continued communicating with whom he thought was a 14-year-old female which soon escalated into conversations of an explicit sexual nature via text messaging," the release reads. "Using his cell phone, Rocha eventually sent a photograph of his genitals."

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Caller-Times in 2019, Rocha was speaking with an undercover Corpus Christi police officer.

Authorities later discovered Rocha was a part-time elementary music teacher at Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi. He also worked as the Director of Music at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church. 

"During the messages, Rocha stated he was 26 years of age and a teacher," the affidavit reads. "Rocha stated he wanted to have sex with the 14-year-old on the desk in his classroom." 

Rocha was arrested in downtown Corpus Christi and taken to the Nueces County Jail on May 9. 

Rocha could face up to 10 years in federal prison and up to $250,000 in fines. His sentencing will be Jan. 25, 2021. 

Alexandria Rodriguez covers breaking news and crime in South Texas. Support local news by checking out our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe