MIAMI — A former band teacher who worked at a Miami‑Dade charter school was arrested Tuesday and charged with three felonies after deputies said he had sexual encounters with a 15‑year‑old student.
The Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Heihachiro Nakashima, 33. Deputies say Nakashima self‑surrendered and was booked on three counts of lewd and lascivious battery following an investigation into communications and in‑person meetings with the teenager.
What deputies say happened
According to the MDSO arrest warrant, the relationship began in text messages. Investigators wrote that Nakashima “assumed a parental role” and frequently told the victim “he loved her,” language the teenager interpreted as platonic and coming from a father figure. Deputies say the messages later escalated into sexual encounters that occurred at Nakashima’s apartment near the Dadeland Mall.
Deputies described the exchanges as moving from messages into physical encounters and say the teacher at one point expressed a desire for a “boyfriend‑girlfriend” relationship with the teen.
Deputies said Nakashima worked at Palm Glades Preparatory Academy, a charter school located in unincorporated Princeton. The Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with information to call Miami‑Dade Crime Stoppers at 305‑471‑8477.
Court action and conditions
Appearing in court on Wednesday, Judge Mindy Glazer set bond at $15,000. The judge ordered Nakashima to remain on house arrest with GPS monitoring and to have no contact with the accuser, court records show. His attorney argued he had no prior criminal history and was not a flight risk.
| Suspect | Age | Allegations | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heihachiro Nakashima | 33 | Three counts of lewd and lascivious battery involving a 15‑year‑old | $15,000 |
Local context and implications
The arrest raises concerns for parents and school communities about educator conduct and student safety. Palm Glades Preparatory Academy is part of the county’s network of charter schools; school and charter officials were contacted for comment but had not provided a response at the time of the report. The sheriff’s office is handling the investigation and has solicited public tips.
- Reported suspect: Heihachiro Nakashima, 33.
- Victim: 15‑year‑old student (age stated in MDSO warrant).
- Charges: Three counts of lewd and lascivious battery.
- Pretrial conditions: $15,000 bond, house arrest with GPS, no contact with alleged victim.
As the case proceeds, it will likely prompt review by school administrators and could lead to additional inquiries into staff conduct. The sheriff’s office did not release further details about the evidence presented to obtain the warrant. Local authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at the number provided.
News Block will continue to follow court filings and any statements from the school and charter‑school groups as they become available.
