MIAMI (CONVERSEER) – A Miami-Dade County elementary school music teacher has been arrested on child abuse charges, while her husband faces multiple drug trafficking offences following an extensive undercover investigation by the Hialeah Police Department.
Peder Larsen, 48, and his wife, Sharon Larsen, 47, were both taken into custody after officers uncovered an ongoing narcotics operation being run from their residence in the 5400 block of West 21st Court, Hialeah.
According to Hialeah Police, the investigation began on 21 April after the department’s Special Investigations Section Narcotics Unit received a tip that Peder Larsen was distributing narcotics within the city. Undercover detectives initiated contact with him and arranged a purchase of crystal methamphetamine.
Over the course of several controlled buys at the Larsen residence, detectives reportedly purchased quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl-laced substances. The arrest report states that Larsen communicated openly with officers about drug prices and quality via messaging and sold narcotics directly from the apartment. Officers also observed firearms inside the residence.
Authorities said at least five drug transactions were documented during the operation, with drugs ranging from grams to ounces. Field tests confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and Xanax.
In several instances, a 17-year-old girl — identified as the couple’s daughter — was observed inside the apartment during drug deals. Police said this exposure to criminal activity led to both parents being charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.
Peder Larsen faces multiple trafficking and possession charges, including trafficking methamphetamine in quantities exceeding 200 grams, possession with intent to sell heroin, and trafficking in other controlled substances. He was remanded without bond.
Sharon Larsen, a teacher with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), was charged with child abuse related to endangerment involving a minor and was granted bond. Although her alleged actions are not school-related, the district announced disciplinary measures.
In a statement, M-DCPS said: “Miami-Dade County Public Schools is profoundly troubled by the allegations leading to the arrest of this individual by the City of Hialeah Police Department. Although the incident is not school-related, the District has initiated employment termination proceedings and will ensure the individual is precluded from seeking future employment with the District.”
The school district added that it holds all employees to the highest standard of integrity and does not tolerate misconduct.
The case remains under investigation.
