A teacher at Miami Southridge Senior High School has been charged with multiple counts of inappropriate behaviour towards a student. Fifty-three-year-old Rudolph Infante has been accused of making unwanted advances, including physical contact and inappropriate comments, over a sustained period.
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Infante faces serious charges, including one felony count related to offences against students by authority figures and four misdemeanor counts of battery. These allegations were detailed in a criminal complaint filed following a student’s report of the incidents, which allegedly began in August 2025.
According to the arrest report, the complainant met Infante while attending a piano class. The situation reportedly escalated by late September and early October, when the student informed investigators that Infante’s conduct had become increasingly troubling. He allegedly made statements such as, “If only I was 30 years younger” and “You’re so beautiful,” which raised significant concerns for the student.
The complaint includes specific allegations regarding Infante’s behaviour, claiming he engaged in unsettling physical actions such as giving the student side hugs that were inappropriate and holding her hand for extended periods when others were present. On one occasion, the student reported that during class, Infante seized her phone and typed “Call Rudy,” followed by his phone number into the Notes app.
Furthermore, the charge sheet indicates that Infante would frequently invite the student into a small room behind his desk under various pretences, ostensibly to speak with her privately. During these encounters, he allegedly expressed that he had been thinking about her and reportedly stated, “I can’t wait to be with you.” It is claimed that during these discussions, he engaged in unwanted physical contact, including touching her shoulder, back, and arm, as well as incidents where he touched her buttocks, despite her clear objections.
In a particularly alarming incident, the student alleged that while seated, Infante wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her onto his lap, where he then rubbed her back and kissed her chest and between her breasts. The complaint reveals that the student felt unable to resist or pull away, expressing fear due to Infante’s physical stature compared to her own.
Additionally, Infante purportedly showed the student a tattoo of two hearts on his rib cage, claiming one represented her and the other symbolised himself. These actions, alongside the inappropriate comments, have led to significant distress for the student involved.
Infante was apprehended on April 10, and his bond has been set at $1,000 for each count of the charges. He has been placed under house arrest and is subject to electronic monitoring as he awaits further legal proceedings. His attorney, representing him through the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, yet has not publicly commented on the case.
In light of the allegations, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district expressed profound concern and has initiated proceedings to terminate Infante’s employment. The district stated that they are “disturbed by the allegations”, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining a professional environment and ensuring that such behaviour is not tolerated among staff members.
The case has drawn attention to the serious issues of student safety and the conduct expected of educators, underscoring the importance of vigilance regarding teacher-student boundaries. As this situation unfolds, it remains essential that educational institutions take proactive measures to protect students and uphold professional standards.