Home / Crime and Justice / Texas Teacher Faces Neglect Charges in Miami Beach Incident
Texas Teacher Faces Neglect Charges in Miami Beach Incident
1 Aug
Summary
- Teacher left foster sons unattended at a Miami Beach hotel.
- One child was found running in traffic near a stranger's home.
- Teacher cited drinking and high-needs children as factors.
A vacation turned into a crisis for two foster sons when their Texas teacher, Francisco Javier Lara, was arrested on child neglect charges in Miami Beach. Lara allegedly left the 10- and 12-year-old boys alone in their hotel room while he went out to drink on Wednesday. Authorities were alerted when witnesses saw the 12-year-old boy running near traffic, eventually seeking refuge in an empty neighboring residence.
Miami Beach police responded to the scene, locating the child. The boy provided officers with his father's phone number, leading to Lara's arrest. During a court hearing, Lara stated he could not afford an attorney and mentioned that both of his children have autism and high needs, contributing to his decision to leave them unattended. He is currently facing two counts of child neglect.
