Serious Allegations Arise Against Cuban School Employee in Miami-Dade

A scandal has rocked the North Miami educational community in Miami-Dade County following the arrest of an employee at a charter school. Adolfo Eusebio Cotarelo, a 61-year-old Cuban residing in Hialeah, who worked as the maintenance and security manager at Mater Academy Biscayne North Miami, was apprehended on Wednesday. He faces a charge of child abuse without causing severe physical harm due to allegedly inappropriate conduct and sexual comments directed at a 15-year-old student.

The incident reportedly took place on October 10th within the school's cafeteria. According to the arrest report from the North Miami Police Department, as cited by local media, Cotarelo approached the young girl and initiated a disturbing conversation. The report describes the exchange as explicitly inappropriate, with Cotarelo allegedly suggesting she could engage in sexual activities at school with a boy she liked. He even recommended the third floor as a location for such activities, noting the absence of security cameras there.

The accused reportedly continued by asking the student how she would "pleasure" herself while thinking of him. To make matters worse, he allegedly showed her a photo on his phone depicting himself "shirtless on a bed with a woman wearing only a bra." He also mentioned imagining the teenager "in the shower washing her hair." Despite the victim's repeated attempts to change the topic, Cotarelo allegedly redirected the conversation back to inappropriate subjects.

Evidence and Interview Contradictions

Following the complaint, Cotarelo was arrested at the school and taken in for questioning. Sources indicate that while the accused confirmed "several details of the girl's accusations," he attempted to deny the most incriminating parts. "He denied showing the photo and claimed he never mentioned sexual activities," local reports state. However, police noted that his statements "constantly changed during the interview."

Moreover, authorities had access to a crucial piece of evidence: a school surveillance video that "corroborated some details of the victim's accusations and shows Cotarelo apparently displaying an image on his phone." The teenager recounted that the encounter made her "physically ill" and has caused significant difficulties in returning to school due to "fear of further incidents with the accused." The police report also details that Cotarelo's actions have left the victim unable to "mentally perform within the same normal range of behavior as before this incident."

Arrest, Bail, and School's Response

Cotarelo was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK). He appeared before a judge on Thursday, where his bail was set at $5,000, and a restraining order was issued to protect the victim.

The Mater Academy Biscayne responded promptly following the investigation. In an email to parents, the school confirmed the immediate termination of the accused. "We want to inform you that upon learning of inappropriate comments made by a staff member to a student, we immediately conducted an investigation in collaboration with authorities. As a result of that investigation, this individual has been removed from their position at our school and will not return," the email stated, as reported by Local 10.

The school also expressed gratitude towards the victim for her courage: "We are thankful to our student for her trust in speaking up," while reaffirming their commitment to safety. "Rest assured that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority," they concluded.

The case remains under investigation.