In a recent incident at Southside Estates Elementary School in Jacksonville, Florida, a substitute teacher was arrested after police discovered multiple weapons, ammunition, and a knife in his vehicle on school property. The teacher, Abdiel Alexander Badillo-Martinez, 29, faces charges including possession of a short-barreled gun and carrying a concealed weapon on school grounds. A school employee reported seeing a firearm in his car, prompting the investigation. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities found a Glock 23 pistol, an AR-style pistol, multiple loaded magazines, bags of ammunition, a ballistic vest, and a fixed-blade knife. Badillo-Martinez had prior misdemeanor convictions, which should have disqualified him from employment under Duval County Public Schools’ policies. However, as a contracted employee through a third-party provider, he bypassed the district’s direct hiring process.
This incident underscores the critical importance of thorough and effective background screening in the hiring process. Employers must ensure that all candidates, including those hired through third-party agencies, undergo comprehensive background checks to safeguard the workplace and those it serves.
U.S. Background Screening, Inc. (USBS) offers a wide range of pre-employment screening services to help organizations make informed hiring decisions. Our services include criminal records checks, motor vehicle reports, credit checks, Social Security number trace and verification, reference checks, drug testing, and employment eligibility verification. With a commitment to accuracy, fast turnaround times, and personalized customer service, USBS is dedicated to helping employers mitigate risks associated with hiring.
Don’t leave your hiring decisions to chance. Partner with U.S. Background Screening to ensure you’re bringing the right individuals into your organization. Visit usbscorp.net or call (866) 777-1322 to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in making safe and informed hiring choices.
