DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - A Miami high school volleyball coach was arrested after being accused of inappropriately touching a 16-year-old girl.
Carlos Ismel Cruz Concepción, 31, was charged with lewd and lascivious molestation on child 12-16 years.
He appeared before 11th Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer, Thursday.
“He’s the volleyball coach and the victim alleges he’s touching her vagina, several times,” said Glazer. “I reviewed the arrest affidavit and there is probable cause for the charge.”
Concepción bond was set at $7,500.
According to Miami-Dade Police, Concepción was the volleyball coach at Bridge Prep Academy of Village Green. The 16-year-old victim came forward and told investigators that he inappropriately touched and fondled her several times back in 2023.
“The incident occurred when the victim was 14 and she recently report it now, that while she was attending the school, the subject fondled her genital area,” said MDPD Detective Dorneisha Mallary. “And on a separate occasion, he took inappropriate pictures during the locker room, while she was in her underwear.”
Police said Concepción was fired from Bridge Prep Academy of Village Green after sending inappropriate messages to students.
“So Bridge Prep let him go,” said Mallary.
Police said when Concepción was questioned about the allegations, he said, “He did not touch the victim intentionally, but if he did touch her vagina, it was accidental.”
Concepción then served as a contracted employee with the volleyball staff at Divine Savior Academy in Doral and 305 Volleyball Club.
The school claims was not employee and did not work with any girls at the time of his arrest because the volleyball season was over.
Divine Savior Academy provided the following statement:
All of us at Divine Savior Academy are saddened by the allegations against Mr. Cruz dating back to 2023 while he was working at another institution. We pray that God gives strength and peace to any who may have been affected. The safety of our students and staff has always been a top priority, which is why Mr. Cruz was thoroughly background checked prior to beginning his limited role over three months as a member of our volleyball coaching staff. At the time, his record was clean and it was only on Thursday morning that this same background screening system notified us of his arrest. No action was necessary in regards to Mr. Cruz as he was no longer involved at Divine Savior Academy since the volleyball season had concluded several weeks earlier. We will continue to support our students, families, and staff as they work through these sad and unfortunate allegations.
Bridgeprep Academy of Village Green released the following statement:
We are troubled by the concerning allegations made against the former employee, leading to his arrest today. That individual was terminated from BridgePrep Academy on October 9, 2023, for sending inappropriate messages to students and never returned to campus. Before today’s arrest, the school was not
aware of the events described in the arrest report. We will always cooperate with and assist in any police investigations to ensure the campus remains a safe
environment for all students.The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We have a zerotolerance policy for inappropriate behaviors and are committed to investigating and reporting any rumors or allegations promptly and thoroughly. We encourage all students and parents to say something if they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
We ask that you contact an administrator if you have questions or concerns.
Florida Charter School Alliance released the following statement:
The voice of the charter school movement, FCSA is the only statewide non-profit, member-driven association representing charter schools throughout the state and the more than 397,000 students they serve. FCSA member schools run the gamut of choice educational programs – from urban to rural campuses, programs specializing in exceptional students or drop-off prevention to unique classical curriculum, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.
305 Volleyball Club also released a statement following the arrest:
As of last night 305 Volleyball Club was stunned, to say the least, with the news of alleged sexual violence and misconduct from Mr. Carols Ismel Cruz, while working at his proper School Bridge Prep Academy of Village Green during the 2023. These allegations did not occur at 305 VBC at Divine Savior Academy. As obvious answers to these allegations, Mr. Cruz does not work anymore at 305 Volleyball Club or at Divine Savior Academy. We will be meeting with the parents of this team to check if any girls have any issues or something to say about Mr. Cruz behavior while at the club. Carlos Ismel Cruz passed three background checks (USAV, AAU and an internal one) to be eligible to coach at 305 VBC and DSA. He cleared them all. He had no prior criminal past. Please note this. We also remind everyone that in this country there is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. 305 Volleyball Club will not make any comments on an ongoing law investigation. Once again, please reach out to us or local police if there was any unwanted communication or actions on behalf of Mr. Cruz.
Parents at Divine Savior Academy tell 7News they were not aware of the coach’s arrest and allegations.
“You haven’t heard a word about it?” said 7News reporter Jessica Holly.
“No, I have not,” said a man. “I’m not sure what’s going on. It’s something with volleyball teacher,” said a woman.
“They don’t say anything,” said another woman. “No names, nothing.”
Concepción posted bond Thursday night and was shortly released from Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
His arraignment hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Police are asking anyone who knows any additional information to please contact them at 305-715-3300.
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