On August 7, 2025, the Coral Springs police arrested Joseph Melendez, a teacher at Coral Springs Charter School, on charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old former student. Melendez, 33, faces one felony count of sexual battery, two felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery, and one felony count of lewd and lascivious molestation.
According to media reports, authorities allege that Melendez, who oversaw the after-school American Sign Language club at Coral Springs Charter School in Broward County, used his position to initiate and maintain inappropriate contact with a former student from 2018-2019. The reported abuse allegedly occurred both on and off school grounds.
The alleged victim told Coral Springs police that the abuse began when he was a 15-year-old freshman and continued until he was a sophomore at the school. Melendez had been the victim's teacher, and they had developed an emotional connection. The victim reported that on at least one occasion, Melendez talked to him about homosexual pornography, as the victim was searching and exploring his own sexuality. The two exchanged phone numbers, and Melendez began acting as his sexual mentor.
Melendez allegedly told the victim he had more experience in what was considered "pleasurable." The victim stated that in December of 2018 Melendez told him to walk to the junior parking lot before driving him to his apartment, where the two allegedly engaged in sexual activity.
Following the report, police began their investigation, conducted interviews, collected evidence, and ultimately took Melendez into custody after they established probable cause. After his arrest, during an interview, Melendez admitted that he had a sexual relationship with the victim when the boy was 15 years old. Officials say the school fired Melendez after they were informed of his arrest. He now faces serious felony charges, and the investigation is ongoing to determine whether there may be additional victims.
“We were made aware today that a teacher was arrested. He no longer works at our school. The safety and security of our students is our number one priority. We take this very seriously and have taken all appropriate actions," stated Colleen Reynolds, a spokesperson for Charter Schools USA.
Sexual Abuse by Teachers: A Breach of Trust
When a teacher abuses their position, the harm extends beyond the individual victim—it undermines trust in the entire school community. Students and parents place their faith in educators to provide a safe environment, not to exploit that trust for personal gratification. Schools are educational institutions where children can learn and develop skills in a nurturing environment. It is expected that they are safe from violence, bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse. Teachers and coaches are entrusted with facilitating learning and supporting the educational needs of their students. Someone who sexually violates young children has no place working in the school system. Any school where such a crime is committed should take responsibility if it fails to screen potential teachers and protect its students properly.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing survivors of sexual abuse. We have handled multiple cases of sexual abuse by authority figures in schools. It is expected that any institution in which children learn and develop skills offers an environment in which they are safe from violence, bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse. Teachers and coaches are entrusted with facilitating learning and supporting their players’ educational and training needs. Anyone who sexually violates children has no place working in the school community or school athletic programs. Any organization committing such a crime must take responsibility for failing to properly screen potential teachers and coaches to protect their students.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused, assaulted, raped, or molested by a teacher, coach, principal, or other school employees, contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation. We are here to help you seek justice and hold abusers—and the institutions that enabled them—accountable. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and will handle your case with compassion, confidentiality, and determination.