Police said at least five students reported inappropriate images, physical contact or other alleged misconduct involving the former elementary school teacher.
MIAMI, FL — A former Sunset Park Elementary School teacher faces three felony charges after police accused him of showing sexually explicit material to multiple students and touching several girls inappropriately during encounters at the Kendall-area school.
Cesar Oriol Cardoso, 53, was arrested Friday, Sept. 11, following an investigation by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department that began in April. Authorities said at least five students were identified as victims in the investigation. Cardoso faces charges of offenses against students by an authority figure, showing obscene material to a minor and lewd and lascivious conduct involving a child under 16. The charges are allegations, and Cardoso has not been convicted.
According to an arrest report, students told detectives that Cardoso sometimes removed girls from physical education, other classes or lunch and brought them to his classroom, purportedly so they could complete schoolwork. Several students said he then showed them inappropriate photographs or videos on his cellphone. Police said the material included images of nude adults, while at least two students reported seeing what they believed were nude photographs of Cardoso himself.
Investigators also said one image shown to a student depicted child sexual abuse. Police described the material in the arrest report but did not release it publicly. The students’ names have not been disclosed because they are minors. One student identified in the report was in third grade when some of the alleged conduct began and told investigators it continued after she entered fourth grade.
Several students also described unwanted physical contact, according to police. They accused Cardoso of touching their thighs, arms or buttocks and, in some instances, making inappropriate comments. One student told investigators that she moved his hand away when he allegedly tried to touch her upper thigh or buttocks and told him not to touch her. Other students said he expressed an interest in kissing them or made comments about their appearance.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools said administrators learned of the allegations in April and removed Cardoso from the school setting on the next business day. The school district said Miami-Dade Schools Police then opened a formal investigation. Cardoso separated from the district in May and is no longer employed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
The district said Cardoso is permanently barred from seeking or obtaining future employment with the school system. District officials said conduct of the type alleged would not be tolerated and stressed that administrators acted after receiving the initial allegations. The district has not publicly identified the students involved or released additional details about their circumstances.
Detectives interviewed Cardoso at Miami-Dade Schools Police headquarters Friday, according to police. Investigators said he invoked his right to remain silent. He was taken into custody and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Jail records cited by local news organizations showed he was being held without bond Monday morning.
The criminal case remains pending. Authorities have not announced a trial date or released information indicating that the allegations have been proven in court. The available arrest reports and district statements did not disclose whether investigators are seeking additional alleged victims.
Author note: Last updated September 14, 2026.