Bond Denied For After School Counselor Accused Of Sexual Battery
CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) – An after school counselor at Forest Hills Elementary in Coral Springs accused of sexually battery on an 8-year old girl will stay behind bars.
Twenty year old Michael Jones, who is charged with one count sexual battery on a person under the age of 12 and two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, was denied bond by Broward Judge John Hurley.
Jones' parents, who were in the courtroom during the bond hearing, said they didn't know anything about what their son was accused of until they saw it on the news. Jones' father said this is the first time anything like this has happened to their family. He said Jones and his sister are both home schooled by their mother.
Judge Hurley told Jones' parents they looked like good people but based on the seriousness of the charges their son would remain locked up without bond. Hurley also pointed out that Jones reportedly confessed to the crimes after he was read his Miranda rights.
According to police, the alleged touching occurred on November 10, when Jones was alone with two children in a room at the school. Police said the other child did not witness the alleged attack.
Warren Smith, Chief Operating Officer of After School Programs which employed Jones, said the company received a letter from the child's parents soon after the incident. Smith said they immediately suspended Jones and contacted Forest Hills School and the Department of Children & Families.
Smith said that before Jones was hired he passed a background check and there were no complaints about him during his 11 months with the company.
Detectives do not believe there are any other victims. However, investigators say if anyone has information they should call the Coral Springs Police Department at 954-346-1226.
