Detectives from the Special Victims Unit at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Poinciana Christian school 9th grade teacher’s assistant late last month.
53-year-old Roberto Diaz, who was working for the Poinciana Christian Preparatory School South, was charged with Sex Offense on a Student by Authority Figure. Diaz also taught a Bible studies class at the school, according to law enforcement.
“It infuriates me that someone in this kind of a position, as an educator, role model, a religious instructor, and a person of influence, would attempt to take advantage of a student for his own sexual satisfaction,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “He should be locked up in prison and never have access to schools or children again.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on February 20th at about 6:15pm, after an 18-year-old student told school staff that Diaz had sent her about six messages in February via the WhatsApp messaging app asking her for photos of herself, including a request for one in the nude.
The victim said she refused Diaz’s requests and told Diaz to stop sending her messages.
The victim also stated that on February 15th, Diaz placed his hand on her chin and neck area and attempted to kiss her and touch her breast.
School officials notified the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about the allegations. They informed detectives that Diaz was suspended immediately pending the investigation.
During an interview with detectives, Diaz admitted that he kissed the victim and touched her breast against her will. He also admitted to asking her for a nude photo of herself. Roberto Diaz was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
