Former Eagle Rock Elementary Employee Sentenced in Sexual Abuse Case

MEDFORD, Ore. (Jul. 24, 2026) — A former Eagle Rock Elementary School employee has been sentenced to jail, probation and mandatory sex offender registration after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the sexual abuse of a teenage boy, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

Amanda Leonardo, 40, was convicted of third-degree sexual abuse and furnishing alcohol to a person under 21 years of age. Jackson County Circuit Judge Charles Kochlacs sentenced her to 30 days in jail, two years of supervised probation, required participation in sex offender treatment, and additional probation conditions. She also must register as a sex offender.

The case began on Oct. 1, 2024, when the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible inappropriate contact between Leonardo and males believed to be under 18. At the time, Leonardo was employed at Eagle Rock Elementary School.

Investigators identified a victim who told authorities that his relationship with Leonardo began through social media before escalating to in-person meetings, during which she provided him with alcohol. According to prosecutors, those encounters later progressed to sexual contact when the victim was 17 years old.

Although the abuse was reported years after it occurred, investigators used search warrants and other investigative techniques to corroborate key aspects of the victim’s account, prosecutors said.

The district attorney’s office said Oregon law allowed prosecutors to charge Leonardo with a single felony count of luring a minor based on an image she allegedly sent the victim while he was under 18. However, because Leonardo had no prior criminal convictions, the maximum sentence under Oregon’s sentencing guidelines for that felony would have been 30 days in jail, prosecutors said.

The remaining charges were misdemeanors, including third-degree sexual abuse, which carries mandatory sex offender registration upon conviction.

According to prosecutors, the resolution was reached during a settlement conference after discussions with the victim’s family and consideration of proceeding to trial. The family supported the agreement because it spared the victim from testifying while ensuring Leonardo received the maximum jail sentence she could have faced if convicted of the felony charge and required her to register as a sex offender.

During sentencing, the victim’s family told the court that Leonardo had been a trusted figure who had known their son for years. They said that trust was exploited, leaving the victim to endure manipulation, secrecy, confusion and sexual abuse during a formative period of his life. Despite the trauma, the family said he continues to demonstrate courage and resilience as he works toward healing.

The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office praised the victim for coming forward and participating in the criminal justice process, noting that reporting sexual abuse often requires significant courage. Prosecutors also thanked the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation.