WILTON MANORS, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have arrested a high school teacher accused of engaging in sexual acts with a student.
Wilton Manors Police officers were dispatched to an Airbnb rental facility where they found 30-year-old Diego Guzman Carranza with a 14-year-old girl, just before 9 p.m., Thursday.
According to police, Guzman Carranza opened the door without a shirt when officers knocked.
They separated the two and interviewed the minor before submitting an application for a search warrant to be signed by a judge.
Police said Guzman Carranza teaches biology at Dr. Michael M. Krop High School, the same school the teenager attends.
He has been with the district for approximately a year and a half.
According to court documents, the victim’s sister called police from a nearby CVS to report that she was at the Airbnb with Guzman Carranza.
“When law enforcement arrived to the Airbnb and he responded ‘Is she that young?'” a prosecutor said, “clearly, that’s disingenuous, as she’s his student. He knows exactly how old she is.”
Police said in an interview, “The victim stated her and the defendant have previously talked about how their sexual relationship was illegal due to the defendant being thirty years old and the victim being 14 years old. Also due to the defendant being the victim’s schoolteacher.”
WMPD also contacted Miami-Dade Schools officials and the Miami-Dade Public Safety Department so they could conduct their own investigation.
Miami-Dade Public Schools released a statement regarding the allegations:
“The allegations against this employee are despicable. The District goes to great lengths to ensure employees are guided by ethical and moral standards, especially where students are concerned. Any action running contrary to the values we promote and practice will be dealt with in the swiftest manner. The process to terminate his employment is already underway.”
In court, a judge ordered Guzman Carranza to stay away from minors and the high school.
“The court does have concerns for the safety of the victim and for minor children, members of the community,” said Broward Circuit Judge Kim Theresa Mollica.
Guzman Carranza faces charges of lewd and lascivious molestation. The judge set his bond at $50,000.
If you believe you were targeted by Guzman Carranza or have any information that could help investigators, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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