As the investigation of a High Springs Community School behavioral resource teacher for kindergarten through fourth grade and part-time swim coach continues, investigators have determined that seven young boys so far have fallen prey to sexual overtures by their coach. More victims have been rumored, but Gainesville Police Department (GPD) investigators will not substantiate a specific number until the investigation has been completed.
Joseph Michael Diaz, 31, 3003 NW 30th Terr., Gainesville, was arrested late Thursday afternoon, April 24, after a teenage boy told GPD detectives that Diaz had pushed him to take inappropriate photos and videos of himself using Diaz’ cell phone.
Although Diaz bonded out of jail Friday morning at 3:15 a.m. after posting his $65,000 bail, he was again arrested that same afternoon after a younger teenage boy alleged Diaz had sexual contact with him several times a month over a three-year period beginning when the child was 10 years old.
Diaz was booked into the Alachua County jail on a charge of sexual assault by an adult on a victim under 12 years of age and is currently being held under $750,000 bond according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office website. He remains in jail as of press time.
