FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Deputies arrested 29-year-old Lavelle Jamal Gordon on Sunday and he appeared in court on Monday accused of being “an authority figure” who engaged in sexual conduct with a student in Broward County.
The case was under investigation at the Hallandale High School, at 720 NW 9 Ave., in Hallandale Beach by both The Broward County Public Schools’ special investigative unit and the Hallandale Beach Police Department.
“The District takes allegations of misconduct very seriously, as ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority,” Keyla Concepción, a spokeswoman for BCPS, said in a statement after receiving a complaint on Oct. 14 and reassigning “the employee” to a position away from the school and students.
The parent of a Hallandale High School student who did not want to be identified said her daughter told her Gordon was teaching English Honors and the 17-year-old victim was her friend.
A Facebook user identified as Gordon by both name and photograph claimed to have graduated from Dr. Michael Krop Senior High School and the University of Florida. His latest public post: “‘Fostering the growth of those who carry the future’ ~ Gordon Lectures L.L.C.”
The post referred to a corporation Gordon registered in Florida in June of last year to an address in Miami-Dade County’s Golden Glades area.
Broward County Circuit Judge Phoebee Francois ordered him to stay away from the victim or minors. Records show the Broward Sheriff’s Office was the arresting agency. Francois set the bond at $75,000.
Detectives were asking anyone with information about the case to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 or Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editors Luis Castro and Guadalupe Monarrez contributed to this report.