An IT employee at Bob Graham Education Center, was arrested Monday on molestation charges involving multiple students, according to police reports.
Allegations of inappropriate contact
Martin Zaretsky faces seven counts of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child between the ages of 12 and 17, as well as seven counts of offenses against students by authority figures, as per Miami-Dade jail records.
The school’s official website confirms Zaretsky’s employment in the information technology department.
Accusations detailed in arrest report
According to the arrest report, Zaretsky allegedly attempted to initiate romantic relationships with several students, engaging in inappropriate physical contact on numerous occasions.
The report outlines instances where he allegedly touched victims in a lewd manner, including their breast and buttocks areas over their clothes.
Misuse of authority and manipulative behavior
In addition to physical contact, Zaretsky is accused of using manipulative tactics to gain favor and trust from the victims.
This allegedly involved unsolicited texting without parental consent and encouraging students to skip classes without authorization from the school administration.
Concerning conduct post-school hours
The report further alleges that Zaretsky would escort students to his office after school hours, offering them candy and inappropriately hugging them at the school gate.
He also reportedly made inappropriate remarks about the students’ appearances.
Response from authorities and school district
Following his arrest, Zaretsky declined to speak with investigators.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools released a statement expressing deep concern over the allegations and confirming the initiation of employment termination proceedings against Zaretsky.
“Miami-Dade County Public Schools is deeply disturbed by the troubling allegations made against this individual. Upon learning about this suspected behavior, Miami-Dade Schools Police immediately began their investigation and subsequently made an arrest,” the statement said. “This type of comportment will not be tolerated as it runs contrary to the professional conduct we expect from all employees. The District has initiated employment termination proceedings, and will ensure the individual is precluded from seeking future employment with the District.”
