Gila Ridge Teacher faces charges involving minor

A Gila Ridge High School teacher who is facing kidnapping and sexual exploitation with a minor appeared in court Tuesday.

On March 3, John Rodenburg posted bond at $20,000 and agreed to not make any contact with the victim.

The case is being overseen by a Somerton judge since all Yuma judges have recused themselves from the case for reasons not known.

Rodenburg appeared in court in a grey suit and listened to the victim’s family give a statement to the judge. The victim’s grandmother told the judge that Rodenburg ruined her granddaughters life.

We reached out to Rodenburg after court and he declined to comment on recommendations from his lawyer.

For now the Yuma Union High School District will be meeting Wednesday evening to discuss if Rodenburg should be fired.

Currently the teacher has been placed on leave. Rodenburg is set to appear for his preliminary hearing on March 23.

We’ll keep you updated as we follow this case.