Dade Firefighter Accused Of Sending Sexually Explicit Messages To Teen
MIAMI (CBS4) - A Miami-Dade firefighter faces criminal charges after it was discovered he reportedly had been involved in a sexual relationship with a 17-year old boy.
The alleged relationship came to light when the boy died and someone discovered sexually explicit text messages and pictures on the teen's cell phone from 35 year old Ulises Rodriguez, according to police.
According to Rodriguez's arrest affidavit, the first sexually explicit messages and graphic pictures were sent to the teen's phone on May 1, 2011. The last messages allegedly from Rodriguez were sent to the teen two days before he died in the end of June. The medical examiner has not yet determined the teens cause of death, but police say it does not appear to be related to the alleged relationship with Rodriguez.
Rodriguez has been charged with 17 counts of Transmitting Harmful Material to a Minor.
His lawyer, Michael Mirer, says he's confident his client will be cleared of all charges, "the evidence I have seen does not establish that Mr. Rodriguez ever knew or had any knowledge the person he allegedly was communicating with was a minor," Mirer said.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue issued the following statement after learning of Rodriguez's arrest:
"Based on the arrest and ongoing criminal investigation, Firefighter Ulises Rodriguez has been relieved of duty. He was hired on July 18, 2005."
