ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The former Albuquerque Public Schools elementary teacher found guilty of sexually abusing one of his students was in court Friday.

Danny Aldaz was sentenced and learned he will stay in prison for 57 years.

In August, a jury convicted Aldaz for molesting a 7-year-old student in his classroom in 2019. Other students have made similar allegations, and attorneys believe there may be more victims out there.

In 2021, our 4 Investigates team uncovered pictures of a makeshift closet in Aldaz’s second grade classroom. Prosecutors say Aldaz created the space by blocking off a hallway with a filing cabinet and a red blanket.

Aldaz still faces trial for allegedly abusing more students. The district attorney’s office says prosecutors will meet with the families of those victims to see if it’s necessary to move forward with those trials, because Aldaz will be spending so much time in prison.

MORE:

• Law office urges victims of former APS teacher to explore civil options
• Former APS elementary teacher convicted of raping student
• 4 Investigates: Red flags ignored in case involving an APS teacher accused of serial child sexual abuse