Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
Authorities arrested a school security guard Sunday after an alleged sexual encounter with a 17-year-old student, according to NBC Miami.
Police named the suspect as 24-year-old Slyvester Lee James. Miami-Dade jail records list a charge of offenses against students by authority figures. James was booked into the county jail following his arrest.
An arrest report says the teen attends the school where James worked as a security guard, though the report does not identify the school. NBC6 reported the school is not a public institution. The teen told investigators she had been communicating with James by telephone and that they agreed to meet off campus.
According to the report, the meeting took place in James’s vehicle and the teen told detectives she performed a sex act on him while inside the car. Detectives later interviewed James; he admitted to knowing the student but then asked for an attorney, the report states.
James, who lives in Cutler Bay, was arrested and booked into jail. A judge set bond at $5,000 and ordered him to stay away from the teenager.
Miami-Dade authorities continue to investigate. School officials have not released a statement about the matter.
When a student is allegedly sexually abused by a school security guard, families face urgent legal and emotional decisions. In this interview, experienced Florida sexual abuse attorney Michael Haggard explains the immediate steps parents can take, the criminal and civil paths available, and what to look for when hiring legal help — practical guidance for protecting the victim’s safety and preserving legal rights.
Editor Darla Medina: What steps can families take immediately after an incident like this?
Attorney Michael Haggard: First, preserve any evidence and document everything — messages, call logs, and any physical evidence. Report the incident to law enforcement and the school district if that hasn’t already been done. Families should also seek medical and counseling support for the victim right away.
Medina: What criminal and civil avenues are available?
Haggard: Criminally, the state can prosecute the guard for offenses against a student; that carries potential jail time and registration requirements if convicted. Civilly, families can pursue a lawsuit against the individual and possibly the school or private institution for negligence, negligent hiring or supervision, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, depending on the facts.
Medina: What should families look for when choosing a lawyer?
Haggard: Find an attorney experienced in representing minors in sexual-abuse cases, familiar with both criminal and civil procedures, and who communicates clearly about timelines, costs, and likely outcomes. Many firms offer free consultations and work on contingency in civil cases.
Medina: Any final practical advice for parents?
Haggard: Prioritize the victim’s safety and well-being, avoid independent confrontations with the accused, and act quickly to preserve legal rights — statutes of limitation and evidence can be time-sensitive.
If your child was harmed by a school security guard or another adult in a position of authority, contact our office for a free consultation to review your options and next steps. We offer compassionate, confidential guidance and can help preserve evidence, explain both criminal and civil remedies, and connect you with medical and counseling resources. Call or message us today to protect your child’s rights and begin the process of holding those responsible accountable.
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