Texas Teacher Sentenced to 33 Years for Abusing Student “More Than a Dozen Times”

Adriana Mariel Rullan has been imprisoned for 33 years for committing statutory rape against a 13-year-old boy.

Rullan was convicted of three counts: continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14, indecency with a child by sexual contact, and improper educator-student relationship.

Among the three, continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14 is considered the most serious crime. It is classified as a first-degree felony and is punishable by imprisonment from 25 to 99 years or even life imprisonment.

Ms. Rullan was working as a teacher at Gonzalez Middle School in the United Independent School District at the moment of her arrest in December 2023.

This crime was investigated, and the United ISD police department arrested Adriana. Later on, she was released on bail totaling $175,000.

At the moment of her arrest, district officials said that one of the unnamed employees was placed on leave. Later, they stated that the District no longer employed the person.

The Webb County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case. The 341st District Court of Webb County was the court presided over by Judge Rebecca Palomo.

Court records show that Ms. Rullan pleaded not guilty.

The trial started on Monday, June 29, and it lasted for two days. During the trial, prosecutors presented witnesses and evidence of repeated sexual contact of Ms. Rullan with a student at school more than a dozen times.

These were texts, photographs, videos, and even Cash App receipts.

It took the jurors more than two hours to reach a decision.

After being found guilty, Rullan’s bond was revoked, and she was ordered to return to Webb County Jail.

According to KGNS, during the sentencing hearing, the victim testified about the consequences this abuse has had on him.

The mother of the victim also testified during the hearing, saying that her outgoing son became isolated and depressed. She referred to Rullan as a sick and manipulative person who should not abuse any other children anymore.

Prosecutors noted to the jury that an adult in a position of trust had inflicted serious harm on her underage student.

The defense attorney said that the teacher needed help and deserved a second chance to heal.

Thus, the jury sentenced Adriana Mariel Rullan to 33 years of imprisonment for the sexual abuse crime, 13 years for the indecency crime, and 10 years for the improper educator-student relationship crime. Moreover, the judge fined her $20,000.

Online records show that Ms. Rullan has been working as a teacher for United ISD since the 2020-2021 academic year. She has been holding a Texas teaching certification in English Language Arts and Special Education since 2020.