NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – A school crossing guard in North Miami was arrested Monday on accusations that he molested a girl while she was walking home from school nearly three weeks ago, authorities said.
According to a North Miami police arrest report, Vanel Jean-Francois, 70, is facing a charge of molestation on a child 12 to 16 years of age.
Police said Jean-Francois was working outside North Miami Senior High School, located at 13110 NE Eighth Ave., on May 8 when he assisted the girl in crossing the intersection of Northeast 135th Street and Seventh Avenue.
According to the report, the victim was waiting to cross the street where Jean-Francois was stationed when he touched her breast over her clothing with an open right hand for approximately 10 seconds.
Jean-Francois then grabbed the victim’s hand and walked her across the street when they were able to cross, authorities said.
North Miami police said in a statement Tuesday that Jean-Francois made “inappropriate verbal advances” before he touched the victim’s breast.
Investigators said Jean-Francois was brought into the North Miami police station before his next crossing guard assignment started. His statement to detectives was redacted from the publicly released report.
Police said Jean-Francois had no prior criminal history and was previously employed by the North Miami Police Department.
According to authorities, Jean-Francois worked as a crossing guard since 2019.
He was arrested at 4 p.m. Monday and was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
According to jail records, Jean-Francois’ bond was set at $7,500 which he has since posted.
Local 10 News reporter Terrell Forney spoke with Jean-Francois at his home Tuesday shortly after he was released from jail.
Forney: “What happened at the school with the young girl?”
Jean-Francois: “I don’t know.”
Forney: “You were accused of touching her. Did you touch her?”
Jean-Francois: “I just talked to her but didn’t touch her.”
Forney: “You just talked to her but you didn’t touch her?”
Jean-Francois: “No. I cannot say anything.”
Police confirmed Tuesday that Jean-Francois was terminated from his crossing guard position.
