Peoria Teachers Face Felony Charges In Explosive Student Sex Scandal

Scandal Unfolds in Peoria Unified School District

In a dramatic twist, Peoria police have put forward felony charges for two teachers from Peoria Unified School District caught up in a sensational student sex scandal. The two educators, Haley Beck and Angela Burlaka, are facing serious allegations involving an improper relationship with an 18-year-old student. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, represented by spokesperson Erin Pellett, has confirmed the recommended charges.

Haley Beck, linked to Centennial High School, is slammed with a recommended count of pandering, a class 5 felony. If convicted, she faces up to 2.5 years behind bars and fines reaching $150,000. Meanwhile, Angela Burlaka, a former child development teacher at the same school, is accused of furnishing obscene material to a minor. This class 4 felony could result in over three years in prison, fines, and probation.

Shocking Details Emerge

Police investigations revealed Beck spent upwards of $600 on the student, referring to him as her "sugar baby" in explicit messages that hinted at a transactional relationship. The liaison reportedly began when the student was still a minor, and Beck allegedly completed his homework, offered oral sex, and provided marijuana and alcohol.

"Ms. Beck is entitled to due process. We are confident that a complete review of the facts will confirm her innocence," stated Beck's attorney, Matt Long.

Burlaka, who had a 26-year teaching career, allegedly sent explicit videos to the student, including a clip of her masturbating while saying the student's name. Despite attempts to contact her, she has not commented on the allegations.

School District Takes Action

The Peoria Unified School District placed both teachers on administrative leave by late 2025, with Burlaka’s employment terminated soon after. An internal investigation ruled Beck had groomed the student, leading to her firing in April 2026. The district highlighted digital communications pointing to Beck’s inappropriate behaviors while the student was underage.

An internal memo found in Beck's apartment unveiled a disturbing level of intimacy, with references to secretive meetups and substance use with the student. Her termination followed her failure to request a hearing.

Previous Warnings Unheeded

According to The Arizona Republic, school officials were tipped off about Beck’s conduct long before police intervention but dismissed the claims. Earlier alerts included messages about Beck’s close interactions with the student, such as gifting and frequent messaging.

Superintendent KC Somers reiterated the district acted according to the legal thresholds at the time, despite Arizona laws mandating reports of suspected abuse. It wasn’t until a concerned grandmother alerted authorities in July 2025 that police launched a full investigation, uncovering multiple complaints against the teachers.