Substitute Teacher Accused Of Molesting Boy In Broward
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Broward Sheriff's Office arrested a substitute teacher Thursday for indecently touching a 7-year-old boy.
The incident happened Wednesday at Quiet Waters Elementary, 4150 W. Hillsboro Blvd., in Deerfield Beach, according to authorities.
Police said the victim was in aftercare when Juan Manns, 24, approached him and told him to sit on his lap.
The boy said he felt "something" poking his buttocks when he was on Manns' lap, investigators said.
Authorities indicated Manns is facing one count of lewd and lascivious conduct.
BSO Sergeant Michele McCardle says the boy's parents realized something may have happened to their son.
"(The boy) had very involved and perceptive parents that noticed something out of the ordinary," Mccardle said. "They then questioned him and the answers that he gave raised concerns."
The parents called investigators and detectives arrested Manns. Now, BSO wants to know if there are any more children affected given the access Manns had to children.
"We do believe there may be other victims," McCardle said.
CBS 4 News found a LinkedIn profile for a Juan Manns, who identifies himself as an educator at Quiet Waters. He says he's kind, enthusiastic and a dedicated educator.
In court, prosecutors said Manns does not have any prior arrests but the judge still issued Manns a bond of $100-thousand dollars.
Parents at the school are concerned about the allegations.
"Just the thought of it is extremely scary," said parent Fabiola Andrade.
Investigators say this case can be a useful teaching moment for parents.
"If anything this is good time to educate your kids and talk to your kids about good touch and bad touch, what's appropriate and what is not and just get open dialogue between adults and their kids," McCardle said.
Broward County Public Schools released the following statement regarding the arrest: "The school's administration is aware of the allegation and is taking this situation seriously, as safety and security are always our highest priorities. Immediately upon becoming aware, the school's leadership contacted the District's Special Investigative Unit and the Broward Sheriff's Office. This individual has been terminated from the school's aftercare program and removed from being able to substitute in the District. The school continues to work with law enforcement regarding their ongoing investigation involving the arrest of this individual."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 954-321-4218 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).
