Jossie Calderon, a math teacher at Barbara Goleman Senior High School in Miami Lakes, was arrested on Friday, November 12, 2021, for alleged sexual misconduct with two female students. Calderon, age 27, was charged on two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child between 12-16 years old, two counts of offenses against students by authority figures, two counts of child abuse without great bodily harm, and one count of battery.
According to media reports, Calderon was taken into police custody after multiple claims were recently made against him. On November 1, 2021, a 15-year-old female student told the school’s guidance counselor that Calderon rubbed her on the lower back and buttocks during a chess club meeting. The student also claims this was the second time Calderon touched her inappropriately. According to the arrest report, the first time was in September 2021, when the South Florida teacher felt up the student’s legs and touched her thighs. She told the counselor that he left his hand there for an extended period, which made her feel uncomfortable. The police report also states that Calderon touched the victim’s “buttocks over her clothes, caressing her.” A video was obtained from the school that confirmed the student’s allegations. “It was not a tap, instead, the offender placed his hand on the victim’s legs and left his hand there for several moments,” stated the first student.
On November 5, a second student reported to the school’s resource officer that she was molested by Calderon during a math tutoring class. The 16-year-old victim claims that Calderon also touched her on two separate occasions while she was in Calderon’s class seeking extra credit for math class.
The second victim states, “He approached me from the rear and introduced his right hand under my sweater by the neck area.” She also said that Calderon “softly rubbed her back.”
According to the arrest report, both victims are seeking counseling for trauma they endured. Calderon was released after posting $21,500 bail. A court date has not been set yet.
Jossie Calderon is just one of several South Florida teachers to face charges this year for having inappropriate actions with a student. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. Schools should always be a place where parents can trust that their children will be cared for and protected from harm.
Attorney Adam Horowitz has substantial experience representing victims of sexual abuse in the school system. If you have been a victim of sexual misconduct by Jossie Calderon or have any knowledge about such events at Barbara Goleman Senior High School, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or e-mail sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz today.