West Liberty middle school counselor pleads not guilty to charges she sexually assaulted student

Lang
8/20/22

A West Liberty middle school guidance counselor has entered a not guilty plea to charges she sexually assaulted a student.

28-year-old Emily Resendiz entered the plea Friday in Muscatine County court. Last May Resendiz was charged with nine counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse, and one count each of Continual Sexual Abuse of a Child, Lascivious Acts With a Minor, Tampering With a Witness, and a no-contact order violation. She was originally charged in March with two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse and one count each of Sexual Exploitation by a Counselor or Therapist, Tampering With a Witness and a no-contact order violation.

West Liberty Police say Resendiz had sex with a boy under the age of 14 twice last December, including December 6th and Christmas Day. Both allegedly occurred at Resendiz’s home, and photos of her kissing the boy were found on his phone.

Resendiz is also accused of violating a no-contact order in the case multiple times.

If convicted on all counts, Resendiz faces a maximum prison sentence of over 300 years. During Friday’s hearing, she also waived her right to a speedy trial. A bond review is set for September 1st.