Miami-Dade County, FL - Allegations of inappropriate behavior between a Miami-Dade high school security monitor and a student have led to an arrest.
According to police, 35-year-old Johnathan Lee Coard, a security monitor at Felix Varela Senior High School in Miami-Dade County, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with lewd and lascivious conduct on a child, offenses against children by an authority figure, and contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child.
The investigation began on October 24th, when an officer was called to the high school, located at 15255 Southwest 96th Street, following reports of inappropriate conduct by Coard with a female student.
According to police, multiple students had come forward with concerns about Coard’s behavior, leading school officials to notify authorities.
Reports indicated that Coard gave the victim several rides home and made inappropriate comments during those rides, including telling her he would "treat her better."
Witnesses stated that the victim appeared uncomfortable with Coard's actions but was hesitant to report him, fearing she would lose her rides home and cause trouble for him.
During their investigation, detectives interviewed several witnesses, who described Coard's behavior as flirtatious.
Witnesses also claimed that Coard kissed the victim and sent her text messages, including one apologizing for making her feel uncomfortable after a kiss.
The victim told police that Coard had made repeated sexual advances toward her and admitted to receiving two rides home from him.
She recounted that during one ride, Coard circled her neighborhood, claiming he wanted to spend more time with her.
On another occasion, she said she got out of his vehicle after he kissed her and she rejected his advances.
Further evidence uncovered by detectives included text messages and phone records between Coard and the victim, as well as communications between the victim and her friends, where she expressed discomfort with his actions.
Investigators also obtained proof of a Cash App payment from Coard to the victim, which witnesses said was used to purchase alcohol and snacks.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) released a statement expressing their condemnation of the allegations:
"Miami-Dade County Public Schools is deeply troubled by the disturbing allegations made against this individual. As soon as the claims surfaced, the employee was immediately removed from the school setting. A thorough investigation was conducted by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, resulting in his arrest, subsequent termination of his employment, and preclusion from seeking future employment with the District. Conduct such as the one this individual is accused of will not be tolerated."
Coard later turned himself in at the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, where he was arrested. He has since been terminated from his position and is barred from any future employment within the school district. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence.