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According to Local 10, a former social studies teacher at a Miami charter school has been arrested for alleged sex crimes against a student. The police report stated a woman recently disclosed during therapy that her former social studies teacher, Michael A. Tamayo, had groomed and sexually abused her when she was a high school student at Mater Academy East Charter School in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, 450 SW 4th St, Miami, FL 33130.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children sent a tip to the Miami Police Department on April 21, prompting an investigation. Detectives reported that Tamayo taught social studies at the charter school from 2012 to 2017.
The victim, who was between 15 and 16 years old at the time, told police that the inappropriate touching began during a school trip to Italy and continued when she returned to Miami. Tamayo allegedly used manipulation tactics, including discussing his own personal struggles, to groom the student.
Tamayo, who has a troubled past, was arrested on May 23, 2024, in Virginia and extradited to Miami on Thursday. He is facing multiple charges, including sexual battery by a person in a position of custodial authority, lewd or lascivious molestation against a minor, and attempted sexual battery by a person in custodial authority.
The case is set to be presided over by Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Laura Cruz, with Tamayo's arraignment hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the safety of students and the need for stricter measures to prevent such abuses from occurring. As the case unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
In the wake of the disturbing news of a former Miami charter school teacher's arrest for alleged sex crimes against a student, we sat down with experienced Florida school sex abuse lawyer Michael Haggard to discuss the legal rights and remedies available to survivors in such cases. Haggard, who has dedicated his career to advocating for victims of sexual abuse, provided valuable insights into how survivors can pursue justice and hold negligent institutions accountable.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Mr. Haggard, thank you for joining us. As a child sexual abuse attorney, what are the legal rights available for those who have been sexually abused by a charter school teacher?
Attorney Michael Haggard (MH): Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. Survivors of sexual abuse by a charter school teacher have several legal options available to them. First and foremost, they have the right to file a criminal complaint against the perpetrator, which can lead to criminal charges and potential incarceration. Additionally, they may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit against the charter school for negligence in failing to protect the student from harm.
DM: Can you elaborate on how a civil lawsuit against the charter school could be pursued in a case like this?
MH: Absolutely. Charter schools, like traditional public schools, have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. When they fail to take appropriate measures to prevent sexual abuse, they can be held legally responsible. This could include failing to conduct proper background checks on employees, not implementing adequate safeguards, or not responding appropriately to reports of abuse. A civil lawsuit can hold the charter school accountable and seek compensation for the survivor's damages, such as medical expenses, therapy, and pain and suffering.
DM: What advice would you give to survivors and their families in a situation like this, where the abuse occurred years ago?
MH: I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, even if it happened in the past, to come forward and seek help. The trauma of sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects, and survivors have the right to seek justice and hold both the perpetrator and any negligent institutions accountable. While the time since the abuse occurred can complicate the legal process, it's important to know that there are still avenues for seeking redress. I would advise survivors to reach out to experienced attorneys who specialize in child sexual abuse cases, as they can navigate the complexities and ensure the survivor's rights are protected.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Haggard, for providing this valuable information. It's clear that survivors of sexual abuse by charter school teachers have important legal options available to them, and your expertise is greatly appreciated.
MH: Thank you, Darla. I hope this discussion has been helpful in shedding light on the legal rights and remedies available to survivors of sexual abuse by charter school teachers. It's a difficult and sensitive topic, but it's crucial that we continue to raise awareness and provide support to those who have been harmed.
If you or a loved one have experienced sexual abuse by a charter school teacher or staff member, it's important to know that you have options. The trauma of such abuse can have lasting impacts, but our team of dedicated to fighting for the rights of survivors. We encourage you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and understand the legal remedies that may be available. No one should have to suffer the consequences of sexual abuse alone. Take the first step towards healing and accountability - contact us today.
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