A former Miami-Dade firefighter pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges stemming from allegations by fellow firefighters who say he attacked them while on duty more than a decade ago.
Jose Lopez appeared in court and entered a plea to multiple counts of aggravated battery (a lesser charge) in two separate cases. The charges are second-degree felonies.
As part of the plea agreement, Lopez was sentenced to 10 years of probation. He was also ordered to complete a “mentally disordered sexual offender treatment program.”
The plea also barred Lopez from working at schools or obtaining professional licenses that require wearing a uniform.
Lopez was arrested in 2023 and later fired from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The investigation began after several firefighters came forward alleging Lopez had sexually attacked them while they were on the job years earlier.
A Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighter pleaded not guilty Monday to allegations that he sexually assaulted his coworkers.
Two of those women faced Lopez in court Tuesday and described the impact the alleged incidents had on their lives.
“More than a decade ago, while on duty and asleep in my dorm, I was violently sexually assaulted by former firefighter Jose R. Lopez,” one firefighter, Rhonda, said in court, speaking publicly for the first time.
Rhonda said the alleged attack happened inside a fire station in northeast Miami-Dade.
During her victim statement, she held up shackles in court.
“These shackles represent the bondage your violence placed on me,” she said. “But they were never mine to carry. Jose, these shackles belong to you.”
Another firefighter, Milena, also addressed the court.
“During the struggle, I feared for my life,” she said. “I was fighting someone who was physically bigger and stronger than me.”
The women, who supported each other during the years-long investigation and court proceedings, said Lopez abused a position of trust.
NBC6 Investigates has been following the case for years, speaking exclusively with one of the accusers in 2023.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah attended the hearing Tuesday to show support for the firefighters.
“It takes a tremendous amount of courage to face an individual that never should have been in a position of trust,” Jadallah said. “It’s extremely important on my part to stand shoulder to shoulder.”
Lopez declined to speak with NBC6 on camera after the hearing. His attorney, Orlando Rodriguez, said, “The state dismissed all sex allegations. I think that says a mouthful,” Rodriguez said. “My client is not a sex offender. My client did not have to do any prison time.”
Despite that, the two firefighters said they were grateful Lopez was held accountable.
“He got held accountable,” Milena said. “And the other thing is also to inspire other victims to come forward earlier.”
Because the offense was considered sexually motivated, the judge said Lopez could face additional penalties if he is arrested again for a similar crime.