Music Teacher Charged with Assaulting Student

Rudolph Infante accused of inappropriate touching and unwanted advances toward teenage student

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:29pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a heart-shaped tattoo on skin, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the obsession and abuse of power by a teacher toward a student.A teacher's inappropriate infatuation with a student is exposed through a stark, unsettling tattoo.Today in Miami

A 53-year-old music teacher at Miami Southridge Senior High School has been charged with multiple counts of battery and offenses against a student after allegedly kissing a teenage student on the chest, touching her inappropriately, and telling her he got a heart tattoo to represent his unwanted love for her.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of teacher misconduct and the need for strong policies and oversight to protect students from abuse of power and authority by school staff. It also raises concerns about the mental health and judgment of teachers who engage in such predatory behavior.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, Rudolph Infante began teaching the student piano in August 2025 and started making unwanted comments and touching the girl, including 'side hugs that made her feel uncomfortable' and grabbing her butt. Infante allegedly told the 'scared girl' that 'if only I was 30 years younger' and 'you are so beautiful... I can't wait to be with you.' In one incident, Infante allegedly 'grabbed her by the waist while seated in a chair and pulled her toward him onto his lap,' then 'leaned forward and kissed her on the chest area between her breasts.' The student said she was afraid to reject Infante, who is 6 feet tall and weighs about 225 pounds, and eventually stopped trying 'because she felt he would not listen to her.'

  • Infante began teaching the student piano in August 2025.
  • In October, Infante took the student's phone and typed in his phone number, telling her to 'Call Rudy'.
  • The student reported Infante to school authorities in February 2026.

The players

Rudolph Infante

A 53-year-old music teacher at Miami Southridge Senior High School who is accused of inappropriately touching and making unwanted advances toward a teenage student.

Miami Southridge Senior High School

The high school where Infante taught and allegedly assaulted a student.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'If only I was 30 years younger. You are so beautiful... I can't wait to be with you.'”

— Rudolph Infante, Music Teacher

“'She felt he would not listen to her.'”

— Teenage Student

What’s next

Infante pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $14,000 bond. He is under mandatory house arrest with an ankle monitor and was told by the judge to stay away from the girl and all schools. Miami-Dade County Public Schools said they have started the process of terminating Infante's employment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for strict policies, training, and oversight to prevent teachers from abusing their positions of authority and exploiting vulnerable students. It also raises concerns about the mental health and judgment of educators who engage in such predatory behavior, and the long-term trauma it can inflict on victims.