Carmel on the Case: Teacher-Sex offender

WSVN -- Carmel Cafiero: "Hi, Mr. Nunez, Carmel Cafiero Channel Seven. I'd like to talk with you about your status as a sex offender."

Chris Nunez was on his way into work when we caught up with him. Since last November he has been a teacher at a martial arts school in South Miami. Students here range from youngsters to teens to adults.

And sometimes the instruction is hands on. That's significant, given Chris Nunez's history as a school teacher.

Mike Tobin: "A sign language teacher and assistant coach of both track and football."

It was the spring of 2000 when Nunez made the evening news. He was accused of having sex with a student at Miami Killian Senior High. At the time, the principal gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Tim Dawson: "My reaction is one that, it's unfortunate but at this point we're not going to pass any judgment until the investigation is complete and until we get a full report."

The full report revealed Nunez had sex with a 17-year-old girl on the floor of a portable.

They were caught when the assistant principal walked in on them.

The police report reads in part: "... He observed the victim crouched down on the floor between a row of desks. The victim was wearing pink thong type underwear and a blue shirt."

Victim's father: "And the last person you would think would hurt your child is a teacher."

This is the victim's father. In order to protect her identity we will not identify him.

He was stunned to learn Nunez is teaching again.

Victim's father: "It's horrific to think that he has that kind of contact with young people."

Court records show Nunez entered a plea of guilty to unlawful sexual activity with a minor and was sentenced to 270 days in the Miami-Dade County jail, followed by probation. His probation plea agreement indicates he had to surrender his teaching certificate and "...is prohibited from teaching in public or private schools."

The agreement, signed by Nunez, also reads "he must refrain from ever seeking a teaching position or any employment that puts him in a custodial position over minors."

Victim's father: "How could anybody feel comfortable with a teacher who actually preyed upon the frailties of a young teenager."

The victim's father says his daughter may never get over what happened.

Victim's father: "It's a scar that you carry for life."

I would have asked about that if Nunez had been willing to talk.

Carmel Cafiero: "Do you think it's a good idea that you're teaching children here."

But he wasn't.

Christopher Nunez: "No, thank you."

Psychologist Dr. Lori Butts says someone with a history like Nunez's should not be in a teaching position.

Dr. Lori Butts: "Whether or not this person is going to re-offend, we don't know, but to create a situation where they potentially have this kind of access to potential victims is very dangerous."

Alfredo Agon, the owner of the martial arts school, declined an interview. His attorney says Agon did not know of Nunez's background and has not had any complaints about him.

Now that his past has come out, Christopher Nunez has been fired.

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