A former teacher at Sunset Park Elementary School in Miami-Dade County is now facing 13 criminal charges after investigators accused him of showing sexually explicit material to students and engaging in inappropriate physical contact with several girls.
Cesar Cardoso, 53, was arrested on Sept. 11 following an investigation by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department. Prosecutors added 10 charges this week, bringing the total number of charges against him to 13. Investigators have also indicated that the case could expand if additional alleged victims are identified.
Court records show that the charges include five counts of disseminating obscene material to a minor, five counts involving offenses against students by an authority figure, two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation involving children under 12, and one count of lewd or lascivious conduct involving a person under 16.
The allegations stem from conduct that investigators say occurred while Cardoso was working at Sunset Park Elementary. According to police records, several students described being taken aside from regular activities and brought to Cardoso’s classroom, where they were allegedly shown inappropriate images or videos.
One student told investigators that Cardoso called her to his desk and initially showed her a photograph of himself fully clothed while standing in front of a mirror. After asking whether she liked his shirt, he allegedly moved to another photograph that showed him naked. The student also reported that Cardoso later approached her and another child while they were playing and slapped them on the buttocks.
Other allegations described in police records involve unwanted touching and inappropriate comments toward students. Investigators have said that at least five students have been identified in connection with the case.
The investigation reportedly began in April after school officials learned of allegations involving Cardoso. The school district said he was removed from the school setting after the allegations surfaced and separated from Miami-Dade County Public Schools in May. The district has also said he is permanently barred from future employment with the school system.
Cardoso appeared in court Thursday as prosecutors presented the additional charges. Judge Zachary James denied bond on the two molestation charges involving children under 12, and Cardoso remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. A judge also ordered him to stay away from five alleged victims.
His attorney, Michael Mirer, has maintained that Cardoso is not guilty and disputed the allegations. Mirer said his client looks forward to having the case decided in court.
The case remains pending, and the charges are allegations. Cardoso has not been convicted of the offenses and is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges in court.
Court records list upcoming hearings for Nov. 12 and Nov. 30 at the Miami-Dade County courthouse. Prosecutors have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges could be filed if further allegations are substantiated.
