
Lake Mary, FL – A shocking incident has unfolded at Lake Mary High School as Richard Colon, a 55-year-old teacher and assistant coach, was arrested Thursday afternoon, October 3, 2024, following allegations of misconduct with a student. Colon holds positions of a Social Studies teacher and assistant girls soccer coach at Lake Mary High School located at 655 Longwood Lake Mary Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Arrest of High School Teacher
The Seminole County School District received a tip about Colon’s alleged inappropriate behavior with a student. According to the arrest report, Colon had been engaging in “sexual conversations” via text messages with a student from July to September 2024.
The report further states that on September 28, 2024, the situation escalated when the student allegedly visited Colon’s home in Lake County for sexual activity. However, at this time, Colon has not been charged in connection with this specific allegation.
School District’s Response to Sexual Abuse Charges Against Assistant Girls Soccer Coach
Upon learning of the allegations, the school district took swift action. Colon was immediately placed on administrative leave following his arrest. The incident was promptly reported to the Department of Family and Children Services and law enforcement.
In a statement, district officials emphasized their commitment to student safety: “Any allegations of misconduct by our staff will be taken seriously and handled quickly. We will continue to fully cooperate and assist law enforcement as they continue their investigation. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority and any type of behavior that jeopardizes that safety will not be tolerated in Seminole County Public Schools.”
Ongoing Investigation After Teacher’s Inappropriate Conduct with Student
As the investigation unfolds, the school district has sent out a message to staff and families, describing the incident as involving “inappropriate conduct with a student.” The community awaits further details as law enforcement continues its probe into this disturbing case.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proper safeguards in educational institutions to protect students from potential abuse.
When Teachers Cross the Line: Legal Implications of Sexual Misconduct
The arrest of Richard Colon, a Lake Mary High School teacher and coach, for alleged misconduct with a student has brought the serious issue of educator sexual abuse into sharp focus. This case highlights the legal complexities surrounding such incidents and the measures available to protect students and hold offenders accountable. To address these critical issues, we spoke with Mike Haggard, a seasoned Florida attorney specializing in cases involving sexual abuse in educational settings. In this interview, Haggard offers valuable information on the legal options available to victims and discusses how schools can be held responsible for failing to protect their students. His insights provide a deeper understanding of the complex legal landscape surrounding such distressing incidents.
Attorney Laurence Banville: Mr. Haggard, what legal options are available for students who have been sexually abused by a coach or teacher?
Attorney Mike Haggard: Students who have suffered such abuse have several potential avenues for legal recourse. They can bring civil claims against the perpetrator for intentional torts like assault and battery. More importantly, they may have claims against the school district for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of the abusive employee.
Banville: How can schools be held accountable in these situations?
Haggard: Schools have a duty to protect their students. If they fail to properly screen employees, ignore red flags, or mishandle reports of misconduct, they can be held liable. We often see cases where schools knew or should have known about problematic behavior but failed to act. In such instances, the school district may face significant legal and financial consequences.
Banville: What advice would you give to families affected by this type of situation?
Haggard: I would urge them to report the abuse to law enforcement immediately and seek support services for the victim. From a legal standpoint, they should consult with an attorney experienced in handling these sensitive cases. Preserving evidence and documenting everything is critical. Time is often of the essence in these matters, both for the victim’s well-being and for building a strong legal case.
Standing Strong with Victims and Their Families: Your Allies in the Fight for Justice
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse by an educator, know that you are not alone in this difficult journey. Victims and their families have legal rights and options to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to provide compassionate support and fierce advocacy on your behalf. We encourage you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explore potential legal actions. Together, we can work to protect other students from harm and seek the justice and healing you deserve. Your voice matters, and we are here to amplify it. Contact us today to take the first step towards reclaiming your power and pursuing accountability.
Source:

Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
Comments for this article are closed.