Coral Springs Aftercare Counselor Accused Of Sexual Battery

CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) -A counselor at an after school program at Forest Hills Elementary in Coral Springs is accused of sexually battering an 8-year-old girl in his care.

Michael Jones is charged with sexual battery on a person under the age of 12 and two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. He is currently suspended from his job with After School Programs, Inc.

According to police, Jones confessed to the crime during an interview with detectives Wednesday. He is being held at the Broward County Jail.

Parents whose children are in the after school program were shocked at the news.

"I never seen anything unusual," said Sarah Woodie. "It was just, 'Hi hello.' My son would be with him but there was no issue, no concern."

"When I met him he seemed like a good kid," said Yadeline Franck. "That's why it's such a shock."

According to police, the alleged touching occurred on November 10, when Jones was alone with two children in a room at the school. Police said the other child did not witness the alleged attack.

Warren Smith, Chief Operating Officer of After School Programs, said the company received a letter from the child's parents soon after the incident. Smith said they immediately suspended Jones and contacted Forest Hills School and the Department of Children & Families.

Smith said that before Jones was hired he passed a background check and there were no complaints about him during his 11 months with the company.

Smith added that in 20 years the have never dealt with an allegation like this one. He said the company took immediate action when it learned of the accusations.

The school sent a letter to parents warning them of the allegations in mid-November.

Detectives do not believe there are any other victims. However, investigators say if anyone has information they should call the Coral Springs Police Department at 954-346-1226.