A jury has found former Capitol Elementary School teacher, Manuel Gavina, guilty of sexually abusing 7 girls all under the age of 15.
The crimes occurred during math classes at the school in Central Phoenix when Gavina would touch the children’s breasts.
Some of Gavina’s victims first came forward in 2017. Phoenix Police were first notified of the accusations against Gavina in December 2019, when more victims came forward. Each count of sexual abuse is a dangerous crime against children, a Class III felony. The defendant could face anywhere from 17.5 to 70 years in prison.
Sentencing for Manuel Gavina is set for November 30, 2023.
“This man is the definition of a sexual predator,” said Maricopa County County Attorney Mitchell. “Teachers are trusted adults in our community. Any child in any classroom in this county should feel safe at school, yet this man violated that childhood peace. I will not stand for these types of attacks on our kids. I’m proud of my team of prosecutors who proved his guilt and have taken the first step toward ensuring he is removed from our community before he does any more of this kind of horrific damage.”