Victims testify in trial of Deerfield Beach swim instructor accused of sexual assault

Francisco De Aragon faces up to life in prison if convicted

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – A trial began Tuesday for a South Florida man who is accused of sexually assaulting three young girls while he was their swim instructor in Deerfield Beach.

One of the victims testified Tuesday morning, saying that she was scared when Francisco De Aragon touched her vagina underneath her bathing suit during a swimming lesson at the Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center.

"So, he put his hand on my private part," the girl said.

All three girls took the stand throughout the day.

"Did something bad happen to you?" the prosecutor asked one of the girls.

"Yes," the girl said.

"Can you tell me what happened to you?" the prosecutor asked.

"The lifeguard touched my private part," the girl said.

The victim's parents also testified, breaking down in tears as they recalled the conversations they had with their daughters.

"She's 6 years old, you know. And I feel like someone took my life away," one mother said.

"My daughter is just 8. She doesn't need to be doing this," another mother said.

De Aragon, who showed no emotion while the victims and their parents testified against him, turned down a plea deal Monday that would have sentenced him to 25 years in prison. He now faces up to life in prison if a jury finds him guilty of sexual battery on a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation on a minor.

According to a Broward Sheriff's Office report, De Aragon touched each of the girl's vaginas under their bathing suits and also touched one of the girl's buttocks during the session.

He was arrested on May 20, 2015.

Authorities said the girls attend different schools and do not know one another.

De Aragon, who also worked as a lifeguard, was fired after his arrest.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.