Former educator accused of sex crime charged

Debra Kylochko was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual conduct with a minor Tuesday at her appearance in Yuma Justice Court.

Justice of the Peace David Cooper set her bail at $1.4 million. The state asked that it be set at $1.5 million because of the charges, her level of trust in the community and because she was a flight risk.

The Yuma Sun previously reported that she was arrested Friday for sexual contact with a minor who, during the investigation, was identified to be at least one juvenile male, 14 years old.

A representative for the victim's mother was present in court and requested the highest bond possible, saying that Kylochko "took her son's innocence."

Kylochko is a former teacher's aide for Yuma Elementary School District 1.

District 1 Superintendent Darwin Stiffler said Tuesday that Kylochko had not been employed with the district since the last day of the previous school year, June 5. Stiffler said the program Kylochko was working with was discontinued.

This was Kylochko's second appearance in court.

Kylochko, who said she currently does not have an income, was assigned a court-appointed attorney and ordered to pay $750.

Kylochko's next appearance in court will be Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.