MIAMI – Eric Givens, age 29, is now facing severe charges after many of his former pupils came forward and accused the former instructor of sexually abusing them when they were in his class. The allegations were brought forth in a courtroom.
One father, who requested to remain anonymous, was quoted as saying, “That’s kind of sad as a parent, you know, that a teacher that was teaching here inappropriately touched children.”
According to the arrest report, two of those child victims were attending St. Mary’s Cathedral School at the time the alleged abuse took place, and both of them were younger than 12 years old at the time.
Both victims reported to authorities that Givens had engaged in physical contact with them.
“He would grab her by the arm, that he would grab her by the hair, that he would hug her from behind putting his hands on her breasts, and that he did this at least seven times,” said Officer Michael Vega of the City of Miami Police Department. “He would grab her by the arm, that he would grab her by the hair, that he would hug her from behind putting his hands on her breasts,” said Officer Michael Vega.
Givens is accused of sending improper text messages to another kid at the Theodore R. and Thelma A. Gibson Charter School. This student, who is 10 years old, alerted authorities about the incident.
“In response, he sends her a message in which he says, “Hey, I’ve always loved you; do you want to go out?” To that effect or anything like that. Officer Vega said that he also sends her a photo of him wearing only his boxers.
Officials from both institutions have stated that, upon becoming aware of the allegations of abuse, they immediately reported the matter to the police and are currently collaborating with investigators.
The authorities are concerned that there might be further victims and are urging parents to remain watchful.
“You have an open communication with your kids that if something similar to this happens, to let them know so they can bring it to the police and give us that information to prevent this from happening again,” said Vega. “You have an open communication with your kids that if something similar to this happens, to let them know so they can bring it to the police and give us that information.”
Givens is being kept at TGK Detention Center without bond despite facing many allegations, one of which being at least seven counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor younger than 12 years old. During this time, Givens is being held against his will.
