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Devereux employee in Viera accused of sexual relationship with student bonds out of jail

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — A 24-year-old employee of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in Viera has bonded out of jail after being arrested and charged with having a sexual relationship with a student from the school.

Michael Cadore was pulled over Friday in Cocoa Beach and the officer involved found that he was traveling with a 15-year-old girl listed as a runaway in Orange County, investigators said.

When the two were questioned, investigators allegedly found sexual messages sent between them and a video of the pair having sexual contact.

Cocoa Beach Police Sgt. Manny Hernandez commended the officers' work in the case.

"It's good police work from our officers," he said.

Cadore told officers that he was a unit manager at the school and the girl was a student, investigators said.

Cadore has been placed on administrative leave since his arrest, Devereux officials said.

Friday’s incident was not the first Devereux has seen recently, officials said.

In November, a 28-year-old staff member was fired and charged with child abuse after allegedly punching a 14-year-old girl staying at the school, investigators said.

In July 2016, security at the facility came into question when a Brevard County taxi driver was allegedly attacked by a teen from Devereux, officials said.

In 2016, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office reported at least 200 incidents reported at Devereux, including nearly three dozen runaways, 12 batteries and 11 sexual offenses.

On its website, Devereux describes itself as a “professional, therapeutic environment for children and adolescents facing significant emotional, behavioral and intellectual/developmental challenges.”

Devereux Director of External Affairs, Lindsey Phillips, released the following statement Monday night:

"Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health has zero tolerance for any situation, or any staff member, that compromises the safety and well-being of a child. Nothing is more important to us than ensuring the safe, compassionate, respectful and effective care of those we serve.

Michael Cadore is employed at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida as a direct care professional at our Viera Campus. When we became aware of this arrest, we immediately placed this employee on administrative leave, per our policy. Every employee at Devereux is required to pass a thorough background screening prior to employment, following the Florida Department of Children and Families criteria.

We will work closely with our partners in law enforcement and child welfare as this case is being investigated.  We never forget the responsibility we undertake every day to keep children safe and remain vigilant in providing expert care for our youth."