South Florida substitute teacher charged with inappropriate behavior toward female students
MIAMI - A South Florida substitute teacher is facing serious charges after being accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and advances toward female students, both in person and via social media.
Jeffrey Vergara, 23, who worked as a substitute teacher at Kinloch Park Middle School, located in the 4300 block of Northwest 3rd Street, was arrested following an investigation by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department.
According to police, Vergara allegedly used apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat, as well as text messages, to communicate with students in an inappropriate manner.
The allegations date back to October and officials said Vergara was employed by Kelly Education, a staffing agency that places substitute teachers in schools.
Vergara appeared in bond court Friday, where he was ordered to stay away from the students involved and prohibited from serving as a substitute teacher while his case is pending.
Vergara remains in custody, according to jail records, and is represented by a public defender who has declined to comment on the case.
In a statement, Miami-Dade County Public Schools expressed concern over the allegations, saying the district acted swiftly to bar Vergara from working in its schools upon learning of the claims.
"Miami-Dade County Public Schools goes to great lengths to provide a safe school environment for students and employees," the statement said.
Kelly Education released the following statement:
"Kelly Education is deeply troubled by the reports of inappropriate behavior involving our former employee while on assignment. The safety and well-being of students across Miami-Dade County Public Schools are our top priorities, and we cooperate closely with our school partners and law enforcement to ensure all reports are investigated thoroughly. The substitute educator's employment has been terminated."
"Our screening procedures comply with the Florida Department of Education's rigorous standards and go beyond those standards to include comprehensive background and fingerprint checks. These checks cover local, state, and national criminal records, as well as the National Sex Offender Registry and crimes against children. In addition to state standards, our vetting system strictly adheres to all district requirements, ensuring we maintain the highest safety standards. The former substitute educator passed all screenings prior to employment."
"We remain committed to partnering with our school communities to foster safe and thriving learning environments for all students."
