Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
A significant incident at Seminole Ridge High School, located at 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, has led to the arrest of a now-former assistant football coach. Ruben Paulo Tirado, aged 20, was taken into custody on Wednesday after security footage reportedly recorded him engaging in sexual acts with a 14-year-old student in a school hallway, according to CBS 12.
The Palm Beach School District has released a probable cause affidavit revealing that Tirado faces two counts of lewd and lascivious battery, alongside one count of inappropriate conduct involving students by authority figures. According to reports, the alleged incidents took place multiple times in Building 6 after school hours, with the most explicit recorded event occurring on October 30.
The victim disclosed to authorities that these encounters had been ongoing for approximately three months, all arranged to occur on campus following dismissal. Notably, both families had known each other for two years, and Tirado served as a coach for the victim's travel sports team.
Tirado was arrested on November 11 and is currently being held on a bond of $100,000, as outlined in court records. In response to the allegations, school officials have confirmed that Tirado's employment with the district has been terminated without delay.
In a message sent to families and staff, the Palm Beach School District stated that the safety and well-being of students is of utmost importance.
“Any conduct that threatens the safety and well-being of our students is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the statement emphasized. “We will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement to support the prosecution of this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
The community is now grappling with the implications of these serious allegations, as authorities continue their investigation.
In the aftermath of the recent arrest of a Seminole Ridge High School assistant football coach for alleged sexual misconduct on the high school campus, many victims and their families may be wondering about their legal rights. To provide clarity on this sensitive issue, we spoke with Michael Haggard, a renowned Florida lawyer specializing in sexual abuse cases. He shared valuable information regarding the options available to victims of abuse perpetrated by authority figures, emphasizing the importance of understanding the legal avenues for seeking accountability and support.
Editor Darla Medina: What legal options do victims have when abused by someone in a position of authority, like a school coach?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Victims can pursue criminal charges against their abuser, as we see in this case with Ruben Tirado. Beyond that, they may also file civil lawsuits against the individual and potentially the school district if negligence can be demonstrated.
Medina: What does the civil process typically involve for a victim?
Haggard: It starts with gathering evidence, such as any documentation of the abuse, as well as testimony from the victim and witnesses. The goal is to establish a clear case showing that the institution failed to protect the victim.
Medina: Are there specific steps victims should take right after an incident?
Haggard: Absolutely. It's vital to report the abuse to authorities immediately. Seeking medical assistance and legal counsel can also help ensure that their rights are protected.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse at the hands of an authority figure, remember that you are not alone. It’s vital to take action and understand your rights. Our team is here to listen and provide guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore the legal options available to you. Together, we can help you navigate this challenging journey toward healing and justice.
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