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Miami, FL
Video shows arrest of ex-North Miami school worker accused of showing explicit photo to student
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.
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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.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
Miami, FL
South Florida mother arrested for leaving daughter chained to fence, police say
Miami, FL
3 hurt in fire on Lincoln Road that started underground
Three people were hurt after a building caught fire on Lincoln Road on Sunday, according to authorities.
The Miami Beach Fire Department said it was working a fire near 230 Lincoln Road.
The flames had spread from a fire in a manhole that “ignited an FPL vault of an adjacent building,” officials said.
Three people were taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center with minor injuries.
The building was evacuated, and FPL has shut off power to the surrounding area, the fire department said.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area of Collins Avenue between 16th and 17th streets while crews worked the scene.
Miami, FL
“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Tommie Lee among 6 arrested during World Cup match in Miami, sheriff says
Reality television personality Tommie Lee — whose real name is Atasha Jefferson — best known for her appearances on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” was among six people arrested during the England vs. Norway FIFA World Cup match in Miami on Saturday, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said 60,024 fans attended the match. Deputies also reported 19 ejections from the stadium, adding that all incidents were isolated and handled quickly.
Authorities have not yet released the circumstances surrounding Jefferson’s arrest or any charges she may face.
A social media account that regularly reports celebrity news claimed Sunday that Jefferson was arrested July 11 and released July 12 after posting a $1,000 bond. The post also alleged she is facing a felony charge of interference with a sporting or entertainment event and said she later shared a video on Snapchat appearing to be in good spirits after her release.
What we don’t know
CBS News has not independently verified those claims, including the reported charge, bond amount or release information, and Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has not publicly confirmed those details.
CBS News has also not independently verified what led to the encounter, and the sheriff’s office has not said what prompted deputies to take Jefferson into custody.
CBS News has requested Jefferson’s arrest report, booking information and any charging documents from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. A request for comment has also been sent to Jefferson’s representatives.
Reality TV star’s legal troubles in South Florida amid World Cup festivities
Jefferson rose to national prominence as one of the breakout personalities on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” before later appearing on several Zeus Network reality series, where she has remained a frequent cast member.
This is not Jefferson’s first legal issue in South Florida. In 2024, she was arrested in Miami Beach on a battery charge following an incident outside LIV Nightclub. Court records from that case alleged she physically confronted another person before officers took her into custody.
Saturday’s arrest comes as Miami continues hosting FIFA World Cup matches that have drawn tens of thousands of fans from around the world. Despite the arrests and ejections, the sheriff’s office said the event proceeded safely and described the incidents as isolated.
This is a developing story. CBS News will update this article as additional information, including the exact circumstances surrounding Jefferson’s arrest and any charges, becomes available.
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