POINCIANA, Fla. (TCD) — A 53-year-old teacher’s assistant and Bible studies teacher is accused of messaging a student inappropriate requests and forcing himself on her.
According to a news release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Roberto Diaz, who works for the Poinciana Christian Preparatory School South, faces a charge of sex offense on a student by authority figure.
The investigation was reportedly launched on Feb. 20, “after an 18-year-old student told school staff that Diaz had sent her about six messages” on WhatsApp between Feb. 6 and Feb. 14. In one message, he allegedly asked her for a nude photo. However, the Sheriff’s Office said the student declined the request and asked Diaz to stop messaging her.
On Feb. 15, Diaz also allegedly forced himself on the female student, placing his “hand on her chin and neck area,” and he “attempted to kiss her and touch her breast.”
Following the allegations, Diaz was reportedly suspended from his position pending the investigation.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Diaz confessed that he did kiss the female student and tried to touch her breast without her permission. He also reportedly admitted that he requested a nude photo.
In a statement, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, “It infuriates me that someone in this kind of a position, as an educator, role model, a religious instructor, and a person of influence, would attempt to take advantage of a student for his own sexual satisfaction.”
Judd continued, “He should be locked up in prison and never have access to schools or children again.”
According to the school’s website, Poinciana Christian Preparatory South is a “private, non-denominational Christian school” that offers education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
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