Miami

Veteran Miami-Dade Teacher Accused of Lewd Acts on Students

A veteran teacher from a Miami-Dade elementary school was arrested Friday on accusations that he inappropriately touched female students.

Alejandro Perez, 60, is a fifth-grade teacher at Charles R. Hadley Elementary School on NW 7th Street.

At least six fifth grade students came forward, saying Perez would touch them inappropriately over and under their clothing, an arrest report stated. Detectives were provided with three different cellphone videos taken by students that show Perez touching the victims.

Perez faces felony charges of lewd and lascivious molestation and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child, according to online jail records.

Perez has been employed with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 34 years and has had no reported prior incidents. The district said in a statement that it has begun the employment termination process.

"Miami-Dade County Public Schools has zero tolerance for employees who engage in inappropriate behavior with students," the statement read. "As soon as the allegations came to light, the employee was removed from the school setting. Thanks to a swift and thorough investigation by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, an arrest has been made. The District has initiated employment termination proceedings, and will ensure the individual is precluded from seeking future employment with the District."

Perez remains in Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond. Attorney information was not available.

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