South Florida HIV/AIDS Organization, Broward House, Replaces CEO After Child Molestation Allegations

After pressure continued to mount from children's advocates and funders, the CEO of Broward House, Michael McGuigan, resigned last week. Allegations of sexual abuse and improper advances toward children have followed him for years. No charges though have ever been brought.

However, his adopted son was taken from him just this past summer amid a sex abuse investigation involving a foster child, The Miami Herald reports.

Two months ago in September former CEO Angelo Castillo left the organization. Michael McGuigan replaced him despite his history of child molestation allegations. Now Castillo is refusing to answer questions.

The Miami Herald also reports that Broward House's board knew of some of the allegations surrounding McGuigan two years ago - before he was even promoted to vice president.

"I have no comment on it whatsoever," Castillo told the Herald. "It has nothing to do with me." He then suggested to the Herald that McGuigan did nothing wrong.

"Has he been convicted of anything?" he asked a reporter.

So far it seems those in charge of the Broward House are coming to McGuigan's defense.

Mark Budwig, president of Broward House's Board of Directors, told the Herald, "He did an excellent job, and he does not deserve to have to resign. I think it's unfortunate."

Dean Trantalis, a member of Broward House's board, also rushed to his defense.

"If Mr. McGuigan were convicted of crimes of this sort, then my position would be that it was inappropriate for him to head the agency of Broward House," Trantalis told the Herald. "In all fairness to anybody who is accused of something, they have the right to defend themselves and be heard in a court of law."

Taking over for McGuigan will be long time employee Chief Operating Officer, Stacy Hyde.

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