Jefferson High School employee accused of sexually abusing and manipulating students

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford police have arrested Centa Rockwood, a 30-year-old Jefferson High School staff member, on suspicion of sexually abusing and sexually exploiting two 16-year-old girls.

On February 20, officers were told that one of the victims had given a handwritten letter to school officials detailing a sexual relationship with a school employee.

One of the victims told police that Rockwood asked her for Snapchat, asked her to send photos, met her in a parking lot and convinced her to perform sexual acts.

On March 11, another victim told authorities that she had also received sexually inappropriate Snapchat messages from Rockwood. She also said that the suspect showed up at her work unannounced and invited her to lunch, according to court records.

Rockwood is charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor, two counts of grooming, indecent enticement and sexual exploitation of a child for a sex act.