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A science teacher at a South Florida high school was arrested Monday after being accused of engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office announced. The Amercian Senior High School teacher allegedly had a sexual relationship with a student in South Florida.
Michael Enriquez, 53, is listed as a science teacher at American Senior High School on the school's official website. Authorities took him into custody on Monday following an investigation into his conduct with at least one student.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Enriquez began making contact with a 17-year-old female student last year. Those conversations escalated into sexual acts, authorities said. The relationship is alleged to have continued until May 2026 — after the student had already turned 18.
Enriquez now faces multiple criminal charges, including:
Investigators have expressed serious concern that additional victims may come forward. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Special Victims Bureau at 305-715-3300 or reach Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (305-471-8477). Tips may be submitted anonymously.
The factual information above was sourced from nbcmiami.com as of June 2, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a student is sexually abused by a teacher, the trauma doesn't end when the abuse stops — and for many survivors, navigating what comes next can feel overwhelming. While criminal charges may follow an arrest, many victims are unaware that a separate civil legal path exists, one that can hold both individuals and institutions accountable. We spoke with Miami attorney Michael Haggard, who has spent decades representing sexual abuse survivors in Florida, to break down what victims need to know about their legal rights and options.
Editor Darla Medina: When a student has been sexually abused by a teacher, most people think about the criminal case. But what options exist on the civil side?
Attorney Michael Haggard: The criminal process and the civil process are completely separate. A victim does not have to wait for a criminal conviction — or even a criminal charge — to file a civil lawsuit. In Florida, victims can pursue civil claims against the individual who harmed them, but also, critically, against the school district itself if it can be shown that the district was negligent in hiring, supervising, or retaining that employee.
Medina: So the school district can be held accountable even if administrators didn't know the abuse was happening?
Haggard: Absolutely. School districts have a legal duty to protect students. If warning signs were ignored, complaints were mishandled, or proper background checks weren't conducted, the district can bear significant legal responsibility. These institutions are entrusted with the safety of children, and when that trust is broken, the law provides a path for accountability.
Medina: What about victims who are now adults — is there still time to take legal action?
Haggard: Florida has made meaningful changes to its statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors. In many cases, victims have years after they recover a memory of the abuse, to file a civil claim. The window is broader than most people realize, and I always encourage survivors to speak with an attorney as early as possible to understand where they stand.
Medina: What would you say to a victim who is hesitant to come forward?
Haggard: That their hesitation is completely understandable — and incredibly common. Abuse by an authority figure carries layers of shame and confusion that take time to process. But coming forward not only opens the door to justice and compensation for the harm suffered, it can also protect other potential victims. Speaking with an attorney is confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward simply by making that call.
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a teacher or any other authority figure, you do not have to face this alone. The road ahead can feel frightening, but understanding your legal rights is the first step toward reclaiming your power. Our legal team is ready to listen, fight for you, and guide you through every step of the process — at no cost to you. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
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