KISSIMMEE, Fla. – An Osceola County elementary school cafeteria worker was arrested Thursday on suspicion of touching students inappropriately.
Jonathan Caraballo, 30, a part-time cafeteria monitor at Highlands Elementary School in Kissimmee and a part-time employee with the city's Parks and Recreation department, was arrested on charges of lewd molestation and battery.
Kissimmee police said officers were called to Highlands Elementary and met with the mother of a 9-year-old girl. The woman said that a school staff member had touched her daughter inappropriately, according to police.
The girl said that Caraballo had touched her inappropriately when he hugged her, according to police.
The girl also said she had seen Caraballo inappropriately touch one of her friends, according to Kissimmee police.
Detectives met with Caraballo at the Kissimmee Police Department and he was arrested after cooperating with the investigation.
Caraballo was taken to the Osceola County Jail and was being held on no bond.
The Osceola School District said the school immediately notified authorities when the allegations were reported.
"Mr. Caraballo has been reassigned out of the school away from children," the district said in a statement. "Only after all investigations and proceedings are completed will it be determined if he will return to the campus."
Highlands Elementary School sent home a notice with students to parents on Friday from the principal.
"Please be assured that the school district takes student safety very seriously," Principal Alison Doe wrote.
Kissimmee police detectives said any other students who believe they were victims should call the Kissimmee Police Department at 407-846-3333.