NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — New video obtained exclusively by Local 10 News on Thursday shows the arrest of a former maintenance worker who also worked as a security guard at Mater Academy in North Miami who authorities say is accused of showing an explicit photo to a 15-year-old student.
North Miami police say 61-year-old Adolfo Eusebio Cotarelo is seen in cafeteria surveillance video holding up his phone as he spoke to the victim on Oct. 10 in the charter school’s cafeteria.
Investigators said he allegedly showed her a photo of himself in bed next to a woman wearing only a bra and made sexually explicit comments.
“Look at his face — disgusting, disgusting individual,” a parent said after seeing the video.
According to North Miami police, Cotarelo was arrested five days later at the school.
Additional body camera video shows him being led into a room at the North Miami Police Department before officers place him in handcuffs. He had the word “maintenance” printed across his shirt.
Authorities say Cotarelo asked the girl inappropriate questions, including how she would “please herself,” and told her she could use a secluded area of the school’s third floor to be alone with a boy she liked.
“He really is disgusting. I wish these things wouldn’t happen, but what can you do?” another parent stated.
Police said Cotarelo’s statements during questioning “changed constantly,” though he admitted to several details the victim described.
Surveillance video confirmed that he approached the student in the cafeteria and appeared to show her something on his cellphone.
Investigators fear there may be additional victims.
In a statement, Mater Academy Biscayne North Miami High School said:
“Upon learning of inappropriate comments made by a staff member to a student, we immediately conducted an investigation with law enforcement. The individual has been removed from their position and will not return. Student safety remains our top priority.”
“I’m just glad they caught him and he’s off the streets,” another parent told Local 10’s Rosh Lowe.
Jail records show Cotarelo, of Hialeah, faces a charge of child abuse without great bodily harm. He was initially booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and released on a $5,000 bond.
Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information about additional incidents to contact the NMPD at 305- 891-0294.
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