A Bronx high school guidance counselor has been charged with engaging in a sexual affair with a 16-year-old student, according to the Bronx District Attorney's office. The suspect, 43-year-old Wendy Lora of Yonkers, has been indicted on multiple charges, including third-degree Rape and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
According to the Bronx District Attorney's office, the case alleges that Lora "exploited the teen for nearly a year" in conduct that is now the subject of legal proceedings. District Attorney Darcel D. Clark asserted that "Anyone who acts in such a disturbing and predatory manner will be prosecuted by our office." The reported sexual encounters are said to have occurred at various locations, including Lora's office at the school, from September 2023 to October 2024.
The inappropriate relationship first came to the light on May 7, 2024, when it was reported to school officials. A second report followed on September 20, 2024. However, the formal referral to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office was not made until April 21, by the NYPD, after receiving a report from the victim’s mother.
During her arraignment before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurance Busching, Lora was formally presented with the charges against her. She is scheduled to return to court on September 30. Assistant District Attorney Rachael Baughman of the Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Bureau is leading the prosecution.
District Attorney Clark acknowledged NYPD Detective Yesenia Rengel of the NYPD Bronx Special Victims, Adult Squad, for her work on the investigation, and Trial Preparation Assistant Supervisor Elaina Clark of the Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Bureau for her involvement in the case. The district attorney's statement also noted that an indictment is not a finding of guilt, and that legal determinations will be made during the court process.
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