A former Colorado school secretary is on the run after police say she sexually abused a 13-year-old student over a period of months, triggering a multi-agency search and urgent appeals for information from the public.
Brenda Meza, 34, who previously worked at Franklin Middle School in Greeley, is wanted on multiple felony charges, including continuous sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Greeley Police Department.
Authorities say the case first came to light on Feb. 12, when officers responded to a report of sexual abuse involving a school district staff member and a teenage student. The home where the report originated sits on the same block as Meza’s residence, according to investigators.
Police quickly identified Meza as the suspect and launched an investigation into her conduct.
According to a department news release, investigators determined that Meza had allegedly engaged in ongoing abuse of the 13-year-old boy over several months while employed by the Greeley-Evans School District 6.
Meza was immediately placed on administrative leave the same day the allegations surfaced.
Less than two weeks later, on Feb. 25, she was terminated from her position with the district, according to a letter sent to parents by Franklin Middle School principal Dr. Suzette Luster.
In that letter, Luster confirmed that Meza had worked for the district since 2020 in several roles, including school secretary, substitute teacher, and cross-country coach—positions that gave her access to students across multiple settings.
But by the time authorities moved to arrest her, Meza had disappeared.
Police say she has been on the run since March 12 and may have already fled Colorado.
Investigators are now urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate her. Officials have asked anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to contact local law enforcement or reach out directly to the Greeley Police Department.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local school community, raising renewed concerns about student safety and oversight within school systems.
For now, authorities say their priority is locating Meza and ensuring she is brought into custody.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Austin Burckley or Officer Zach Eberhard with the Greeley Police Department.
