NORTH MIAMI, FLA. (WSVN) - A North Miami school teacher has been arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted a student on multiple instances.
According to police, the then 14-year-old victim told her mother that while she was both in eighth and ninth grade at Miami Union Academy, 39-year-old Mwon Vernard Taylor touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions. In several instances, she said he took photos of her feet and requested sexual acts.
Taylor was arrested, Wednesday, for sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation on a child between 12 to 16 years of age.
Five of these incidents were sexual in nature, said police. Police said the alleged incidents took place between August of 2011 and June of 2012, but the victim came forward this past weekend.
One of the incidents took place in Taylor’s classroom where the teen allegedly performed oral sex on Taylor after school. The victim also said Taylor had sexual contact with her in his car, at her apartment and a Greyhound bus station. “Having oral sex, so he had the child perform it on him, and he as well on her,” said North Miami Police Officer Nathalie Buissereth.
Taylor also faces charges of inappropriately touching the student over her clothes in between classes and taking pictures of her feet. “He was her teacher. It started off at school, it started off in a classroom, and then it progressed to the backseat of his vehicle,” Buissereth said.
The victim, who is no longer a student at Miami Union Academy, told police he was a Bible and science teacher at the school. Taylor has been a teacher at the religious school since 2010.
Police said it is possible that more victims are out there. “He’s been a teacher from 2010 to 2016, at the same school, so there have been many children who passed through that school,” Buissereth said, “so if anyone has any additional information, or perhaps could have been a victim themselves, we’re asking them to come forward and speak with us. If they have any information, they can of course remain anonymous.”
The principal of Miami Union Academy, Renee Hodge, sent a statement to 7News that said: “It came to our attention that an alleged incident occured (sic) involving a former student of Miami Union Academy and a faculty member. We are deeply sadden (sic) and regret to hear this news. We do not condone inappropriate behaviors of any sort, and are very protective of our students. Be assured that the school’s administration is in complete cooperation with the authorities and their investigation.”
Taylor is still listed on the school’s website as the social studies and religion teacher, in charge of homeroom. “We necessarily can’t control when a victim decides to come forward, but when they do come forward, it’s time for us to act,” Buissereth said.
Anyone with information regarding this case or any other possible victims, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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