Miami, FL – A 61-year-old maintenance manager and security guard at Mater Academy Biscayne has been arrested after police say he made sexually inappropriate remarks to a 15-year-old student inside the North Miami charter school’s cafeteria.
Authorities identified the suspect as Adolfo Eusebio Cotarelo, who was taken into custody Wednesday on a child abuse charge following what investigators called an “inappropriate conversation” with the student.
Incident Report Details Troubling Conversation
According to the arrest form, Cotarelo approached the teenager in the cafeteria and began discussing sexual topics before suggesting she accompany him to the school’s third floor, an area without security cameras. The report adds that he persisted with sexual questions even as the student attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere. The girl reportedly became ill afterward and told investigators she feared returning to campus.
A concerned parent reacted to the arrest by saying, “Especially a janitor, they have access to the bathrooms and all of that—that’s really scary.”
Student Reactions and Community Response
Students expressed disbelief as the news spread. “Everyone’s shocked, everyone’s talking about it. It’s such a small school. How could this happen?” said student Adrian Philip, who spoke with CBS News Miami with his mother’s permission. “I hope it didn’t happen to other people,” Philip added.
Court Appearance and School Action
Cotarelo appeared in bond court Thursday, where his bond was set at $5,000. A judge also issued a stay-away order prohibiting contact with the victim. The arrest report notes that Cotarelo denied making any sexual comments…