UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A 33-year-old teacher is facing charges after police say he requested inappropriate pictures from a student at the middle school where he worked.
According to the Prince George's County Police Department, Jose Zuniga Orellana has been charged with solicitation of a minor.
Zuniga Orellana worked as a Spanish teacher at James Madison Middle School in Upper Marlboro.
According to charging documents, Zuniga Orellana admitted to messaging the 8th grader in an email to the school's principal.
"[The principal] stated [Zuniga Orellana] sent her an email on their Prince George's County Public School System account admitting to messaging the victim inappropriately," the charging document reads.
In the email, Zuniga Orellana said he had asked for inappropriate photos of the girl and "apologized for being unprofessional."
The 8th grader told police Zuniga Orellana messaged her after getting her phone from a group chat with the class. She said the text messages started as a normal conversation but eventually he started making inappropriate comments. After two weeks of texting, Zuniga Orellana reportedly added the student on SnapChat and asked for inappropriate photos.
The girl refused and blocked Zuniga Orellana before telling her parents what happened.
The 33-year-old teacher has since been taken into custody where he is still being held.
In a letter to families, James Madison Middle School Principal Beverly Botchway said Zuniga Orellana has been placed on administrative leave and the school fully cooperating with investigators.
"Any behavior that brings harm to a student will not be tolerated in any way," the letter reads. "This is disheartening news for the James Madison community."
Detectives do not know of any other victims at this time but ask anyone with information to contact them at 301-772-4930. Callers are asked to refer to case number 23-0034787.
Tips can also be submitted through Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com
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