Special Ed Teacher Accused of Sexually Abusing 10-Year-Old Student “Up to Five Times a Day” Inside Classroom [Video]

A Washington elementary school is at the center of a disturbing investigation after a special education teacher was accused of repeated inappropriate conduct involving a student.

Video

Mahayla Benavides, 32, is facing multiple charges, including child rape and child molestation, according to court records. She has pleaded not guilty.

Authorities allege Benavides engaged in the repeated rape of a 10-year-old student inside a classroom at Stevens Elementary School in Spokane, Washington. According to a statement of facts reviewed by PEOPLE, the student told investigators the sexual assaults happened frequently, “sometimes as much as five times per day.”

The report claims the alleged encounters occurred in both the main classroom and a smaller adjacent room. Police also stated they recovered videos from Benavides’ phone that allegedly show explicit material, including footage of her raping the child. Investigators say the student also alleged Benavides warned him not to tell anyone, saying she could lose her job or get in trouble. The child reportedly told authorities she sometimes gave him brownies.

Benavides was arrested and remains in custody at the Spokane County Jail. Officials say swift action helped prevent further harm.

“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 Spokane Police Department said in a press release. “The school district’s swift actions and cooperation played a vital role in this investigation and prevented further harm.”

Her bond was set at $500,000, and her trial is scheduled for May.