“The victim was 16 when the guidance counselor allegedly began having sex with him,” Clark said of the counselor. “She allegedly exploited the teen for nearly a year while being entrusted with the care of students. Anyone who acts in such a disturbing and predatory manner will be prosecuted by our office.”

Clark said the defendant, Wendy Lora, 43, was arraigned on Friday on third-degree rape, a third-degree criminal sexual act, two counts of sexual misconduct, and endangering the welfare of a child by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurance Busching. She said that Lora is due back in court on in September.

According to the investigation, from September 2023 to October 2024, the defendant allegedly engaged in sex with the boy at various locations including her office at the school.

The alleged sexual abuse was reported to school officials on May 7, 2024, and a second report was made on Sept. 20, 2024. The case was referred to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office on April 21, this year by the NYPD, after the victim’s mother reported the allegations to them.

The case is being prosecuted Assistant District Attorney Rachael Baughman of the child abuse/sex crimes bureau under the supervision of Johanna Hernandez, deputy chief of the child abuse/sex crimes bureau, Alexandra Militano, deputy chief of the child abuse/sex crimes bureau and Mimi Mairs, chief of the child abuse/sex crimes bureau under the overall supervision of Adrienne Giunta, deputy chief, special victims division and Joseph Muroff, chief, special victims division.

Clark thanked Trial Preparation Assistant Supervisor Elaina Clark of the child abuse/sex crimes bureau for her work on the case. She also thanked NYPD Detective Yesenia Rengel of the NYPD Bronx special victims, adult squad for her work in the investigation.

The defendant is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.