Christian School Employee Arrested for Allegedly Inappropriately Touching Students in Pompano Beach

A 24-year-old employee at Highlands Christian Academy in Pompano Beach, identified as Ronison Exavier, was arrested on serious charges involving the inappropriate touching of multiple students, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Exavier faces three counts of soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct by an authority figure, two counts of touch or strike battery, and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation — charges that carry severe criminal and civil consequences under Florida law.

The arrest followed an investigation that began earlier this month after a 13-year-old student came forward with allegations of inappropriate contact. As the investigation unfolded, additional victims were identified, prompting Exavier’s termination and ongoing law enforcement scrutiny.

According to the arrest report, the investigation began when a 13-year-old student reported that Exavier made inappropriate comments about her clothing and grabbed and squeezed her buttocks inside his office.

The student fled in distress and sought help from another area of the school. Following that report, a 16-year-old student also came forward, alleging that similar incidents had occurred between her and Exavier in previous months, including inappropriate touching in a school weight room during the summer.

Authorities say Exavier served as an assistant athletic director and soccer coach at Highlands Christian Academy — a role that placed him in direct contact with children. His biography was removed from the school’s website following his arrest.

The school issued a statement confirming that administrators immediately notified the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and began cooperating with Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) investigators once the allegations were brought to their attention.

Initially placed on administrative leave, Exavier has since been terminated and is barred from all school grounds and related events.

Under Florida law, Exavier’s charges fall under some of the most serious criminal statutes related to sexual misconduct by authority figures.

1. Soliciting or Engaging in Sexual Conduct by an Authority Figure (Florida Statute § 800.101)
   • This law applies when an adult employed by or volunteering at a school engages in or solicits sexual activity with a student.
   • It is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
2. Lewd or Lascivious Molestation (Florida Statute § 800.04)
   • This involves intentionally touching the breasts, genitals, or buttocks of a minor under 16 in a sexual manner.
   • Depending on the age of the victim, it can be a life felony, punishable by up to life imprisonment.
3. Touch or Strike Battery (Florida Statute § 784.03)
   • Even if the touching was not sexual in nature, unwanted physical contact constitutes battery, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

In addition to criminal penalties, the victims and their families may pursue civil claims against both Exavier and the schoool.

Highlands Christian Academy released two official statements addressing the situation.

In the first statement, school leaders confirmed that they were made aware of allegations involving “inappropriate touching by a staff member” and immediately contacted state authorities. The statement emphasized the school’s commitment to fully cooperate with law enforcement and to support the affected families.

In a subsequent update, the school confirmed Exavier’s termination and clarified that he was no longer allowed on campus or at any school-related activity.

“Highlands Christian Academy continues to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities,” the statement read. “Names of the alleged victims will not be released to protect their privacy, and we continue to pray for and support those families.”

Victims’ Legal Rights Under Florida Law

Victims of sexual abuse — particularly minors — have powerful legal protections in Florida.

1. Civil Liability for the Perpetrator and the Institution

Under Florida Statutes § 768.28, schools, churches, and private organizations can be held civilly liable for failing to properly supervise or vet employees who have access to minors.

A civil claim may seek damages for:

• Emotional trauma and psychological counseling
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or reckless disregard)

2. Mandatory Reporting and Institutional Negligence

Under Florida Statute § 39.201, all school personnel — including teachers, coaches, and administrators — are mandatory reporters. They are legally required to report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct immediately.

Failure to do so may expose the school or its leadership to civil penalties and criminal charges for failure to report abuse.

3. Extended Statute of Limitations for Child Victims

Under Florida Statute § 95.11(9), victims of sexual abuse committed when they were minors have an extended window to file civil claims, often many years after the abuse occurred. In some cases, there is no statute of limitations when the abuse involves a minor.

What to Do If You Suspect Sexual Abuse in a School Setting

If you or someone you love suspects sexual misconduct by a school employee, take immediate action:

1. Report It to Authorities – Contact local law enforcement or the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
2. Seek Medical and Psychological Support – Early medical and counseling intervention is crucial for the child’s recovery.
3. Consult a Lawyer Experienced in Child Abuse Claims – Attorneys specializing in sexual abuse cases can guide families through the process of reporting, preserving evidence, and pursuing justice.
4. Avoid Confronting the Alleged Perpetrator Directly – Leave communication to law enforcement and legal counsel to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent survivors of sexual abuse and institutional negligence throughout Florida.

Our attorneys understand the immense emotional toll these cases take on families. We take a trauma-informed approach to every case — protecting victims’ privacy while aggressively pursuing justice.

We work to hold both individual abusers and the institutions that failed to protect victims accountable through civil litigation. Our goal is not only to secure financial compensation but also to prevent future abuse by exposing systemic failures.

If you or your child has been harmed by a teacher, coach, or staff member, you are not alone. Contact our office today for a confidential, free consultation.