Former Broward Substitute Teacher Detained on Sexual Battery Accusation
A 27‑year‑old former substitute teacher, Marsel Javaris Smith, was taken into custody on Friday after authorities received allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student. Smith worked for Broward County Public Schools through the staffing agency Kelly Education and was acting as a substitute at Northeast High School in Oakland Park when the incident was reported.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office investigated the claims and, following a bond court hearing, the judge found probable cause. Smith was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or other minors and was denied employment in the county’s public school system.
Smith faces charges of sexual battery against a victim aged 16‑17 and of engaging in a romantic relationship with an authority figure. He is currently being held at the Broward County Main Jail on a $30,000 bond and is scheduled to appear before a judge on Monday.
School officials confirmed the arrest but said they could not disclose additional details while the investigation continues. The case remains under active scrutiny by district and law‑enforcement authorities.