BY LAUREN TOMLIN | APRIL 8, 2015
Former Phoenix teacher sentenced to 35 years for sexual misconduct with a minor
A former 8th grade teacher at a Phoenix school was sentenced to 35 years in prison when he appeared before Judge Stephens at the Maricopa County Superior Court on April 7.
Carlos Pineda Borja, 42, will serve his 35 year sentence within the Arizona Department of Corrections.
According to court documents, Borja was arrested at his home January 23, 2014 on charges of two counts of sexual conduct with a minor, one count of sexual abuse and one count of child molestation.
According to court documents, Borja admitted to police he engaged in the alleged sexual acts with minors. These incidents occurred during school hours and on the school’s property in his classroom, court documents stated.
The first count of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor under the age of fifteen at the time, occurred between the dates of November 1, 2012 and December 25, 2012. This count earned the defendant 20 calendar years.
On the fourth count Judge Stephens ordered 15 years of incarceration, that the defendant shall register as a sex offender and can not have contact with any victim.
“This is a betrayal of the girls, betrayal of the parents, betrayal of the school,” Ryan Powell the prosecutor on this case, said.
The victim, a minor in this case, spoke with regard to Borja’s sentencing.
“At the beginning, he told me he manipulated me by thinking everything is okay,” the victim said.
The victim had mentioned that Borja did not force them into the situation but he knew what he was doing.
“Being able to forgive you is a mark of my spiritual strength…I forgive you for all you have done,” said the victim.
The defense attorney, Richard Suzuki mentioned that four family members of Borja will speak to the judge on Borja’s behalf.
“Mr. Borja is certainly not a monster…but in all he is a pillar in the community (and) well respected by students and staff,” said Suzuki.
Suzuki pointed out to Stephens he has a tremendous amount of strength and support from his family and they have been by his side at almost every court hearing.
“This is also not something he has ever denied,” Suzuki said.
After statements from the victim, prosecutor and family, Borja was able to make his own statement.
“I let a lot of people down...I made a mistake, people in life do make mistakes,” said Borja.
“If I would have done the right things correctly...I wouldn’t be standing here,” said Borja.
Borja said he is not trying to present himself as being the victim, saying he is glad this is the last day his family and the families of the victims have to deal with this situation.
“I would like to apologize to their family,” Borja said. “I want to wish them the best.”
“I will pay for this the rest of my life,” said Borja.
