Miami PE Teacher and Ex-Athlete Faces New Charges of Sexual Misconduct with Minors

February 23, 2023 - A former Homestead physical education teacher and University of Miami athlete is facing additional charges after two more girls came forward alleging that he fondled them when they were just 12 years old. Joseph Edward Tolliver was arrested earlier this month after a 14-year-old girl accused him of having sex with her. According to police reports, Tolliver had sex with the 14-year-old in his car after meeting her in the parking lot of her apartment complex.

The new allegations include over three dozen charges of lewd and lascivious molestation and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child. One girl reported being fondled more than 30 times throughout the school year, and the other girl said she was fondled over five times. Both girls also reported that Tolliver asked them if they wanted to watch pornographic videos with him.

Tolliver, who was a former football and track athlete at the University of Miami, was booked back into jail on the new charges. Police are urging parents to talk to their children to see if they identify Tolliver or if they have become victims of his abuse.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools officials have initiated employment termination proceedings and will ensure that Tolliver won't be able to seek future employment with the district. The district has also released a statement, condemning Tolliver's alleged actions and stating that any actions that run contrary to promoting a safe and secure learning environment will not be tolerated.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of keeping an eye out for potential signs of abuse and for parents and authorities to act quickly to protect children. It also highlights the importance of holding abusers accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or status in the community.