Mesa Teacher’s License Revoked After Dressing as Devil and Hailing Satan in Disturbing Yearbook Messages

The State Board of Education has suspended Jesse Ruiz’s teaching license for two years after he was found to have sent inappropriate messages and made disturbing comments to students.

In October 2023, Ruiz, a former teacher at Mesa High School, faced scrutiny for allegedly dressing as the devil and repeatedly proclaiming “hail Satan” during class. This behavior prompted a parent to file a complaint with the school district.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Ruiz had engaged in additional inappropriate behavior, including showing a middle finger while counting and using profanity.

One student, Nathaniel Hamlet, recalled the unsettling experience. “He put a pitchfork in my face,” said Hamlet, who noted that Ruiz’s comments were jarring. Although some found humor in the situation, Hamlet felt it was disrespectful due to his religious beliefs.

Hamlet’s father, Chris, was outraged and reported the incident. Following the complaint, Ruiz was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned.

Initially, both Nathaniel and Chris Hamlet felt relieved when the license suspension was announced, viewing it as a just consequence. However, their perspective shifted upon learning more about Ruiz’s behavior.

Further investigations revealed Ruiz’s disturbing comments in student yearbooks from his time at Skyline High School. Some messages included inappropriate phrases, such as “[T]hanks for all the free Canes HEHE. Gay Sex… LOL.” Another message suggested a student should have run away from home.

Chris Hamlet expressed serious concern over Ruiz’s pattern of behavior, stating, “This is the pattern and it’s very dangerous… He should have never gotten to Mesa.” He argued that Ruiz’s license should have been revoked sooner to protect students.

Ruiz did not respond to requests for comment but previously claimed his devil costume was part of a Halloween theme at school. While his lawyer acknowledged that Ruiz’s comments crossed professional boundaries, they maintained no evidence of sexual misconduct was found.

As part of the suspension, Ruiz is required to complete a course on prevention and professional boundaries before being considered for reinstatement.