Miami-Dade Music Teacher To Be Fired Over Sex Charge

CORAL GABLES, FL — Calling the charges against him "reprehensible," Miami-Dade school officials plan to fire a 31-year-old music teacher accused of having sex with a then 16-year-old girl nearly five years ago. Justin James House taught music at Lorah Park Elementary School in Brownsville and Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy in Doral. The alleged incident occurred at a summer music camp at the University of Miami and did not involve either of the Miami-Dade schools where House worked.

"I'm a school teacher. Should I still go to school or no," House asked Miami Judge Mindy S. Glazer when he appeared before her during a Wednesday bail hearing.

Coral Gables police interviewed House Tuesday and charged him with one count of engaging in sexual activity with a familiar child based on the 2013 incident.

Jackie Calzadilla, director of media relations for Miami-Dade schools told Patch that the district holds its employees to a "higher standard" of professional integrity.

"Although this case is not related to his employment with the school district, the charge against this individual is serious, reprehensible and considered a disqualifying offense that will result in termination," according to Calzadilla. "The school district will continue to cooperate with Coral Gables Police in their investigation."

Officer Kelly Denham of the Coral Gables Police Department said that the victim told police about the incident in March.

"The victim stated that in June 2013, when she was 16-years-old, she attended a summer music camp program at the University of Miami where the defendant was a camp counselor," according to Denham. "The defendant befriended the victim, and on several occasions sexual activity between the two occurred."

Denham said that the University of Miami is also cooperating with the investigation.

Photo courtesy Coral Gables Police Department