A former Connecticut public school employee, Alyson Cranick, has been arrested again for allegedly messaging an underage girl on Snapchat, breaking the conditions of her release. Cranick, who was initially arrested on charges of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy, now faces additional charges of first-degree violation of conditions of release. The investigation revealed that Cranick had allegedly been messaging a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat, leading to her re-arrest.
Cranick, a married mother of two, was accused of sexually abusing the 11-year-old boy multiple times between July and August 2022. The abuse came to light when the boy confided in a family member about the sexual encounters. According to the investigation, Cranick would pick up the boy and take him to secluded areas, including a state forest, where they would engage in sexual activity in her car. She allegedly met with the boy frequently during the night and provided him with energy drinks to keep him awake. Cranick even offered to buy him Apple AirPods and a BB gun.
The affidavit revealed that Cranick had sent the boy a picture of a letter beaded bracelet with the acronym ‘BFFFLWB,’ which she claimed meant ‘Best Friends for Life With Benefits.’ In reality, the boy later explained that Cranick told him to say it meant ‘Best Friends Forever for Life We’re Better’ if anyone asked.
Cranick was previously employed as a “paraprofessional” in the Columbia school system and later as an administrative assistant with Region School District 19. She was placed on leave when the police investigation into the sexual assault allegations began and was ultimately terminated when the investigation concluded.
After her initial arrest, Cranick was charged with sexual assault and risk of injury to a child. She posted bonds totaling $700,000 and was released on pretrial intensive supervision, which prohibited her from communicating with minors without supervision. However, police received a report that Cranick had been messaging a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat, leading to her second arrest.
During an interview with police, Cranick claimed that she believed she was messaging a relative on Snapchat, as she saw her relative’s face in a photo on the account. However, the investigation revealed that the 13-year-old girl had unfriended and re-friended Cranick on Snapchat, indicating ongoing communication. The minor’s parents discovered the situation during a shopping trip when they noticed the Snapchat streak between Cranick and their daughter.
As a result of the investigation, two arrest warrants were issued for Cranick, charging her with violation of conditions of release in two different counties. She is currently in custody with the CT Department of Corrections on bonds totaling $1.5 million.
This case highlights the disturbing trend of female school teachers targeting young male students and the potential dangers of social media platforms in facilitating inappropriate relationships between adults and minors. The authorities are taking these allegations seriously and ensuring that Cranick faces the consequences of her actions.
