North Miami Beach, FL - A Miami-Dade County public school band teacher has been arrested on multiple charges after investigators say he engaged in “inappropriate relationships” with several students and forced himself on at least two of them.
Arrest and Charges
Police arrested Jose Francisco Montes-Guedez, 40, on Friday, just days after his birthday. Jail records show he faces two counts of offenses against students by authority figures, two counts of battery, and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a child.
Montes-Guedez is a teacher at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami Beach, according to the school’s directory.
Investigation Details
The investigation began in November 2025 when a student reported an alleged relationship between Montes-Guedez and another student. The report states the two students argued about the relationship, which led to a physical altercation in his band room near the end of the 2024–2025 school year.
Detectives interviewed the alleged victim, who said she met Montes-Guedez through another student and often stayed in his classroom to skip other classes. She told authorities that Montes-Guedez offered her confiscated nicotine and THC vapes and once asked for a kiss in exchange for one.
Investigators say she described an encounter in a small room connected to the band area, where he allegedly grabbed her waist and kissed her twice. She pushed him away and then avoided contact.
Additional Student Accounts
Detectives identified two more potential victims. One told investigators that Montes-Guedez claimed to have music industry contacts and gave her details for singing lessons. She said he frequently gave her vape pens, shared personal stories about his sexual past, and grabbed her by the waist in his office, prompting her to flee in tears.
A third student reported that he often bought her food and discussed her personal problems while asking if she and her friends had ever participated in sexual activity. She said Montes-Guedez gave her vape pens and offered THC vapes, which she refused. She later cut ties with him after learning about what happened to another student.
When questioned, Montes-Guedez told detectives he provided a “safe space” for several students and said they confided in him. Parts of his statement in the arrest report were redacted.
School District Response
Miami-Dade County Public Schools confirmed that Montes-Guedez will be terminated. The district released a statement Monday saying his arrest violates their standards of conduct and that officials will ensure he cannot return to district employment.
Court Appearance and Bond
Montes-Guedez appeared before a judge over the weekend. His bond was set at $16,000, and he remained held at the Metrowest Detention Center as of Tuesday morning. If released, he will be placed on house arrest while awaiting trial.
“What Can Families Do Now?” Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyer Explains Legal Options After Teacher Abuse Allegations
When a trusted teacher is accused of sexually abusing students, families are often left scared, angry, and unsure of their next move. In this interview, our team speaks with experienced Florida sexual abuse lawyer Michael Haggard about the legal paths available to parents and survivors, how civil cases differ from criminal prosecutions, and what steps families can take to protect their children while holding both the offender and responsible institutions accountable.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a family learns their child may have been sexually abused by a teacher, what is the very first step you recommend they take?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: The priority is the child’s safety and health. Parents should get the child to medical and trauma‑informed counseling support, and then speak with law enforcement so the conduct is documented in a formal report.
Banville: Many families feel overwhelmed by the criminal process. Are there separate civil options available, aside from the criminal charges the teacher may face?
Haggard: Yes. The family can often bring a civil claim against not only the individual teacher, but also the school district or other entities that may have ignored red flags or failed to protect students. A civil case focuses on accountability and compensation for the child’s trauma, therapy, and long‑term needs.
Banville: What kinds of failures by a school can create potential liability in a civil case?
Haggard: That can include inadequate background checks, ignoring prior complaints, poor supervision, or allowing a teacher unsupervised access to vulnerable students in isolated areas. When policies on reporting and monitoring are not followed, that can open the door to serious exposure for the institution.
Banville: Some parents worry about their child having to testify or relive the abuse. How do you address that concern?
Haggard: A good legal team works to minimize retraumatization. That can mean using recorded statements, trauma‑informed interviews, and resolving claims through negotiation or mediation whenever possible. The goal is to give the survivor a voice while protecting their emotional well‑being.
Banville: If a family suspects abuse but isn’t sure they have “enough” evidence, should they still contact a lawyer?
Haggard: Absolutely. An attorney can investigate, gather records, interview witnesses, and work alongside law enforcement. Families should never feel they have to “prove” the case on their own before asking for help.
Banville: What message do you have for families who might be hesitant to come forward?
Haggard: You are not alone, and you are not overreacting. Speaking up can protect your child and other students, and it can be the first step in holding wrongdoers and institutions accountable. Reaching out for legal guidance is a protective act, not an aggressive one.
Talk With a Lawyer About Your Family’s Rights
If you or your child were harmed by a teacher, you do not have to navigate this alone. Our legal team helps families understand their options, investigate what happened, and hold both individuals and institutions accountable. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation so you can ask questions, learn about potential claims, and take the next step on your terms.
