Teacher's Aide Charged With Sexually Assaulting Student: Polk Sheriff

POINCIANA, FL — A teacher's assistant at a Polk County private school is facing charges after authorities said he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old student.

Roberto Diaz, 53, was charged with a sex offense on a student by an authority figure, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Diaz worked at Poinciana Christian Preparatory School South in Poinciana, where he taught a Bible studies class, authorities said.

The Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into Diaz on Monday after the student told school officials that Diaz sent her about six messages on WhatsApp, authorities said. In the messages, Diaz asked the student for nude and other photos of herself, according to authorities.

Authorities said the student told school officials she refused Diaz's requests and asked him to stop sending her messages.

According to police, the victim also told school officials that on Feb. 15, Diaz placed his hand on her chin and neck and attempted to kiss and touch her breast.

School officials notified the Polk County Sheriff's Office and immediately suspended Diaz pending an investigation, police said.

During an interview with detectives, authorities said Diaz admitted to kissing the student and touching her breast without her consent. He also admitted to asking her for a nude photo, police said.