A 30-year-old school lunch worker was arrested due to a sexual relationship with a senior at San Antonio High School.
Jenna Michelle Woodworth was taken into custody on Thursday, accused of engaging in sexual acts with multiple students inside a kitchen closet at the school cafeteria.
She faces charges for having an “inappropriate relationship between educator and student,” which is classified as a second felony, according to reports.
School staff discovered photos of students in Woodworth’s work locker while cleaning it out after her termination, which came shortly after her arrest.
Both Woodworth and the student were interviewed by authorities and admitted to having an inappropriate relationship. It is not entirely clear how the police became aware of the situation, but an investigation was initiated earlier that week.
Reports indicated that the inappropriate behavior had been ongoing until law enforcement got involved.
In an interview, the victim mentioned that Woodworth had picked him up in the stadium parking lot using a district vehicle and took him to the Academy of Learning. He said that she led him through the back door of the cafeteria kitchen, and they had sex in the kitchen closet, with a similar encounter happening the following day.
The affidavit noted that after their encounters, Woodworth would wash her hands and resume her cafeteria duties. She had been employed by the district’s High School Nutrition Bureau since 2021.
The student reported that he had maintained regular contact with Woodworth since his freshman year. He expressed feelings of anxiety, stating that he felt she would be upset with him if he didn’t acknowledge her when they were together.
Lori Whittmeyer, who works with a victim advocacy group, pointed out that such situations highlight how adults can exploit vulnerable teenagers. She mentioned that this apparent grooming likely unfolded over several years, suggesting that the adults in question used minors for their own gratification. It raises concern about the emotional needs of children, like seeking love and acceptance.
