A man of Cuban origin identified as Rolando Gala Ramírez, 37, was arrested in Miami after being accused of carrying out acts of sexual misconduct against his 12-year-old stepdaughter.
According to the police report – cited by America Camel– the minor was allegedly touched inappropriately on her breasts and buttocks by the accused.
The case came to light after the minor’s sister witnessed the event and reported seeing Gala Ramírez next to the victim’s bed, touching her while she pretended to be asleep.
The alleged abuse occurred last year, about two months before the start of the school term, at a home in northwest Miami.
When questioned by the authorities, Gala Ramírez denied the accusations, insisting that any physical contact with the minor would have been accidental.
The man highlighted his close relationship with the girl, whom he has known since she was three years old, and whom he says he has raised as if she were his own daughter.
At the court hearing, held this Thursday, Gala Ramírez’s defense requested the possibility of imposing bail.
However, Judge Mindy S. Glazer emphasized the seriousness of the allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior and denied bail. The defendant remains in the Miami-Dade County Jail (TGK).
The incident adds to a series of similar cases that have shaken South Florida in the last year.
Among the most recent, that of a Miami-Dade police officer accused of abusing three minorsincluding his own daughter, and that of a Honduran man prosecuted for similar acts against his nine-year-old stepdaughter.
These types of situations have shaken the community, leading authorities and civil organizations to reinforce the call for the protection of minors and raising awareness about reporting and assistance channels for victims of sexual abuse.
Miami police continue to investigate the case, and Rolando Gala Ramírez is expected to be called back to court in the near future.
