Child Molestation

Miami Teacher Accused of Touching Students Inappropriately

A veteran teacher at a Miami-Dade elementary school accused of inappropriately touching female students has pleaded not guilty.

The man entered the plea during a formal arraignment Friday, following his arrest last month on lewd and lascivious molestation and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child charges. The man was a fifth-grade teacher.

At least six fifth-grade students came forward, claiming the man would touch them inappropriately over and under their clothing, according to an arrest report. Detectives were provided with three different cell phone videos taken by students that allegedly showed the man touching the victims, the report said.

The man had been employed with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 34 years and has had no reported prior incidents. The district said in a statement after his arrest that it has begun the employment termination process.

The man has been in jail with no bond since his arrest. His next scheduled court appearance is May 13.

Teachers who have been accused of a sex crime face a difficult road ahead. These are emotionally charged cases that can be quite complicated. In many instances these cases boil down to one person’s word against the other’s, which can make the story of what actually happened unclear.

Just being charged with a sex crime can ruin your career and personal relationships. The criminal consequences of a conviction can have negative long-term consequences, such as prison time, large fines and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Due to the severity of sex crime allegations, it’s important to consult with our South Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton who will listen to your version of events with an open mind and make sure that your story is relayed properly in court. With our help, you may be able to avoid or reduce the severe consequences of a sex crime conviction.

For a free consultation, call us today at 561-367-8777 or contact us online. We are available 24/7.

Tue Apr 16, 6:41pm