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CBS Miami has reported that a teacher was arrested for sexually assaulting a student at Piper High School located at 8000 NW 44th St, Sunrise, FL 33351.
On February 1, 2022, 37-year-old Rafael Guzman was arrested after a report was made to the Sunrise police that he sexually assaulted a student. The 17-year-old student told police that the abuse occurred on January 27, 2022. Guzman, a Health Science teacher at the high school, requested the student to remain in the class as all the other students left. He instructed her to turn off the classroom lights and directed her into his office. It was then that he allegedly inappropriately touched and performed a sex act on the minor before giving her $100 and telling her "not to feel bad."
Guzman has been teaching in the Broward School District since 2018. He is charged with an authority figure soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct with a student. He must wear a GPS monitor and is instructed to have no conduct with minors, including the victim. Additionally, he cannot go near the high school.
Attorney contributor Michael Haggard represents clients sexually abused by teachers in the state of Florida. Michael has years of experience as a school sex abuse lawyer and recently shared some information for victims and their families, including when they can file a lawsuit against a school for sex abuse.
"Parents put faith and trust in the school's administration to keep their child safe while on the school campus. School administration and districts have a hefty responsibility to ensure they are protecting their students from preventative harm, such as sexual abuse. Sadly, too many high students have become victims of inappropriate misconduct by teachers. This includes unacceptable conversations and touching that often lead to physical sexual abuse."
"It is ultimately up to the schools to have security measures in place to keep students safe from threats and hazards. Schools should be on the lookout for these potential behaviors by recognizing the signs of abuse. Additionally, they need to prevent and stop them from occurring. By conducting extensive background checks on all staff, installing video monitoring systems, and doing frequent security sweeps, schools can reduce the risk of preventable abuse. If a teacher has been accused of misconduct, the school must prevent further abuse by reporting the teacher. If the school administration or district fails to provide measures to prevent and stop these behaviors, they can be held liable."
"Victims sexually abused by a teacher at a high school should speak with an experienced school sex abuse lawyer. The lawyer will need to prove the school administration or district was negligent and that the abuse was foreseeable. Filing claims against abusive teachers may be emotionally difficult for the victim and their family. The lawyer can guide them through the legal process with compassion and professional support."
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