After being accused of having sex with a 14-year-old pupil, a Homestead physical education teacher and former University of Miami athlete was released from jail on bond on Thursday.
According to an arrest record, 37-year-old Joseph Edward Tolliver was detained early on Wednesday on suspicion of lewd and lascivious abuse on a juvenile between the ages of 12 and 16.
According to the records, Campbell teaches physical education at the Homestead Campbell Drive K-8 Center.
The teen girl claimed in the report that she and Tolliver, her P.E. coach, formed a close bond.
According to her, Tolliver visited her on a number of occasions and entered through her bedroom window in order to avoid being observed by her mother, according to the article.
The youngster claimed that she met Tolliver on February 4 in the parking lot of her apartment building, where they had sex in his vehicle, according to the report.
“Shame on you, because you knew my daughter,” said the victim’s mother, who wanted to conceal her identity. “You know that she was a minor. You knew what you were doing was very wrong. I hope you pay for what you’ve done. You didn’t think about your family, you didn’t think about nobody. You only thought about yourself.”
Records show that Tolliver was detained after being arrested and was released early on Thursday morning after posting a $7,500 bond. There was no information on the attorney.
“I need him to be held accountable for what he’s done,” the mother said. “Now I have to find a way for me and my child to be able to get some type of help for us. This is just too much for me to handle at the moment.”
In a statement Wednesday, Miami-Dade County Public Schools officials said they’ve initiated employment termination proceedings, and will ensure Tolliver won’t be able to seek future employment with the district.
“We commend the Miami-Dade Police Department for their investigative work on this case, which occurred away from the school setting, and for bringing this individual to justice,” the statement read. “Miami-Dade County Public Schools is profoundly disturbed by the abhorrent allegations made against this individual. This District goes to great lengths to promote a safe and secure learning environment and any actions that run contrary to that will not be tolerated.”
Tolliver participated on the school’s football and track teams in the middle of the 2000s, according to MiamiHurricanes.com.
“As a father, I am deeply disturbed any time an educator betrays the public’s trust. Schools are considered to be a safe haven for our children, and us parents entrust the educators with the safety and security of our children. I am very proud of the Sex Crimes Unit diligent work on this case,” Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Ramirez said in a statement.