The idyllic exterior of Roosevelt Middle School, courtesy of Homes.com, stands in sharp contrast to the disturbing allegations against Dr. Miguel Benavente, who is charged with sexual battery. Booking photo courtesy of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Dr. Miguel Leandro Benavente, a longtime employee of the Palm Beach County School District, has been arrested and charged with sexual battery on a person under 12, a capital felony under Florida law. A capital felony is the most serious category of felony.
The arrest follows an investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), which reports that Benavente was previously investigated for similar conduct over 20 years ago while teaching at Roosevelt Middle School.
Benavente, known as “Dr. B,” held multiple roles during his decades-long career with the district. In addition to teaching, he oversaw dozens of medical science academies and received public praise for his work with students. He most recently worked as an administrator for the district.
Allegations of Grooming and Sexual Assault
According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim recalled that Benavente began grooming him when he was just seven years old. He invited the victim to his home under the guise of helping him study to become a doctor. Later on, he showed him pornographic material and sexually assaulted him. The assaults reportedly continued over the course of five years, from when the victim was nine until he was fourteen. Benavente would tell the victim that what was happening was the “new normal.”
“Whenever [the victim] would try to say anything to anyone, Benavente would find a way to get [him] in trouble. [He] described Benavente as a monster,” reports the affidavit.
The victim also allegedly saw Benavente bring other students from the middle school to his home.
As part of the investigation, detectives uncovered a 2000 report involving another student at Roosevelt Middle School. That student, 14 at the time, similarly reported that Benavente invited him to his home under the guise of academic assistance, showed him pornography, and sexually assaulted him.
“It should be noted that the case reported to the School Board District Police, and this current case have multiple similarities. Benavente would use the school work as an excuse to bring the kids to his house,” reported Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in the affidavit. “Benavente told both victims that it was normal and also told the victims not to tell anyone.”
No Charges in 2000 Due to Statute of Limitations
Although the 2000 report was investigated by School Board District Police, criminal charges were not filed because the statute of limitations had already expired under Florida law at the time. Florida has since reformed its laws. Today, sexual battery on a child under 12 can be prosecuted at any time — but only if the abuse occurred on or after July 1, 2020, when the statute of limitations for these offenses was removed.
Benavente was arrested on July 15, 2025, and is currently being held without bond. The school district has placed him on administrative leave. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims and have encouraged others to come forward. If you have any information related to this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-8477 (TIPS).
Behind the Public Image
In 2017, Benavente, a Cuban immigrant, was featured in a Palm Beach County School District video titled Prescription for Success: Journey from Migrant to M.D., which portrayed him as a dedicated educator who overcame hardship to inspire the next generation. In the video, the narrator states:
“His passion is sharing his knowledge of medicine with young people, starting the first middle school medical program in the district, and the entire state.”
At the time, Benavente reportedly oversaw 40 medical sciences academies throughout Palm Beach County. Former student Chris Foster, who later pursued a medical career, said:
“He’s all about the children. He wants to see them grow and be successful.”
This celebrated reputation stands in sharp contrast to the allegations detailed in sworn legal documents. The same trust, access, and authority that elevated Benavente’s profile within the district may also have enabled him to target vulnerable students for years without intervention.
Institutional Accountability
Although the 2000 report was investigated by School Board District Police, no criminal charges were filed due to the statute of limitations in place at the time. But an investigation alone does not absolve a school district of responsibility. Under Florida law, schools have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm—not only by investigating misconduct, but by taking meaningful steps to prevent further abuse.
If protective measures were not implemented after the 2000 report, the district may still be civilly liable for the harm that followed. The fact that Benavente remained employed for decades—and is now accused of abusing another student—raises serious questions about whether the district did enough to protect others.
Supporting Survivors Through Civil Legal Action
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of childhood sexual abuse in civil lawsuits against institutions that failed to protect them. These cases are about breaking the silence and challenging the systems that allowed abuse to happen.
If you or someone you love was harmed by Miguel Benavente or another school employee, you are not alone.
We offer free and confidential consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options under Florida law.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney.
