In Coral Springs, Florida, a deeply disturbing case has emerged involving a former Coral Springs Charter School teacher. Joseph M. Melendez, 33, was arrested by the Coral Springs Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and is currently being held at the Broward County Main Jail.Melendez faces multiple felony charges:

• Sexual Battery (Victim 12 years or older)
• Lewd or Lascivious Molestation (Victim 12 years or older)
• Lewd or Lascivious Act (two counts)

Allegations of Grooming and Abuse

According to investigators, Melendez used his role as a teacher and overseer of the school’s American Sign Language Club to gain the trust of boys between the ages of 13 and 17. Police say he groomed one victim by treating him like a “favorite student,” engaging in increasingly inappropriate conversations—including messages about what was considered pleasurable—and eventually driving the boy to his apartment to sexually abuse him.Police say the abuse began when the victim was a freshman and continued into his sophomore year. 

Why This Case Highlights the Need for Legal Action Beyond Criminal Charges

Survivors and their families should know that criminal prosecution alone is not the only path to justice in these horrible situations. Criminal cases focus on punishing the offender—but they do not provide financial compensation or directly address the institutional failures that may have allowed the abuse to occur.Schools, school boards, and affiliated organizations can  be held civilly liable if they knew or should have known about misconduct and failed to act. This is where an experienced personal injury and sexual abuse attorney is essential.

Cases Involving Authority Figures

Sexual abuse by a teacher, counselor, or coach is uniquely complex because:

• The abuse often involves grooming that makes victims hesitant or afraid to speak out.
• Institutions may try to protect themselves instead of prioritizing the victim’s well-being.
• Evidence must be handled carefully, including digital communications, witness testimony, and timelines of events.
• Statutes of limitations can vary, making it crucial to act quickly.

How The Haggard Law Firm Can Help

The attorneys at The Haggard Law Firm have decades of experience representing survivors of sexual abuse by authority figures. They understand how to investigate, prove, and pursue civil claims while protecting the survivor’s privacy and dignity.When representing victims in cases like the Melendez matter, The Haggard Law Firm can:

• Conduct a thorough, independent investigation to uncover additional evidence and identify other potential victims.
• Hold all responsible parties accountable, including institutions that failed to protect students.
• Provide trauma-informed representation, ensuring survivors feel supported and respected throughout the process.
• Pursue full compensation for therapy, medical expenses, emotional distress, lost opportunities, and other damages.

If You Are a Victim—or Know Someone Who May Be

If you were a student at Coral Springs Charter School or suffered sexual abuse by Joseph M. Melendez or another teacher, coach, counselor, or authority figure, you are not alone. .The Haggard Law Firm offers confidential, no-obligation consultations to help survivors understand their rights and legal options. Your information will be handled with the utmost discretion. 

📞 Call The Haggard Law Firm today at 305.446.5700 or contact us online to speak directly with an attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases involving authority figures.

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