Miami-Dade Firefighter Fired, Faces Criminal Charges for Sexual Assault
A Miami-Dade firefighter is out of a job and is facing serious criminal charges after several coworkers came forward and accused him of sexual assault.
Termination and Charges
The department informed firefighter Jose Lopez on Friday he was being fired.
One of his accusers, who still works for the department, spoke exclusively with the NBC6 Investigators. She asked to be identified by her first name, Milena.
Milena told NBC6 Investigators she was relieved when she learned Lopez had been fired. He was accused of sexually assaulting her and two other colleagues. The allegations date back over a decade ago.
Accusers’ Accounts
Milena and another firefighter told Miami-Dade Police that Lopez attacked them while working inside a fire station in Northeast Miami-Dade — but they kept silent for years.
“It’s painful because you’re getting judged,” she explained. “People are wondering why didn’t you come forward.”
Both women said they did not initially report the incidents to superiors, worried about repercussions and the impact on their careers. It wasn’t until they met and confided in each other that the women said they decided to file a complaint with the department and police.
Investigation and Outcomes
For months, the women say they received no updates. The fire department placed Lopez on paid administrative duty, but nearly a year passed.
Then in July, the department suspended Lopez without pay after the Miami-Dade State Attorney charged him with several counts of attempted sexual battery involving two women, including Milena. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Fire Department Response
NBC6 received the following statement from Miami-Dade’s Fire Chief Ray Jadallah:
“Following an intensive investigation by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) and Miami-Dade Police departments, it was concluded that the allegations of misconduct brought forth against an MDFR employee by three female co-workers were sustained and led to the termination of his employment on Dec. 15, 2023.
Investigations into the misconduct of any employee are taken seriously. MDFR conducted a thorough and exhaustive investigation to ensure the correct administrative action is reached. I remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, and any act that violates the trust of any member of our community will not be tolerated. I commend the employees who trusted the process, and thanks to their actions, their voices were heard loud and clear. MDFR will continue to promote a culture of accountability and respect for our employees and the community we serve.”
Conclusion
Milena and her fellow accusers have shown courage and resilience in speaking out against Lopez’s alleged actions. Their bravery has led to his termination and criminal charges, and has sent a strong message that sexual misconduct will not be tolerated in the fire department or any other workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many women have come forward to accuse Jose Lopez of sexual assault?
A: Three women have come forward, including two who filed a complaint with the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Q: What were the allegations against Jose Lopez?
A: Lopez was accused of sexually assaulting three female colleagues while working at a fire station in Northeast Miami-Dade.
Q: What was Jose Lopez’s response to the allegations?
A: Lopez has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
Q: What changes has the Miami-Dade Fire Department implemented to increase safety and accountability?
A: The department has implemented several changes based on employee feedback, but the exact details were not disclosed.
