safety
State Rep. Basabe found liable of sexual harassment, defamation, battery by jury
By Jim DeFede at CBS4 Miami
· July 19, 2026
· 5 min read
Last week, a jury in Tallahassee found that Republican State Representative Fabian Basabe sexually harassed two of his male staffers and committed battery against both. The jury also found Basabe defamed one of those staffers as well as that young man's mother on social media.Basabe, who represents
Key takeaway Basabe, who represents a district that stretches from Miami Beach to Aventura, was ordered by the jury to pay the young men $450,000 for their pain and suffering.
Why this matters in The Miami
The jury's verdict against State Representative Fabian Basabe has significant implications for the constituents he represents in Miami Beach and Aventura. Basabe's actions, which included sexual harassment and battery against his male staffers, demonstrate a disturbing pattern of behavior that raises questions about his fitness for public office. As a representative of a district that is home to a diverse and vibrant community, Basabe's conduct is a betrayal of the trust placed in him by his constituents. The fact that Basabe used his wealth and influence to win election to the Florida House in 2022 also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the state's political system. As the people of Miami-Dade County consider the consequences of Basabe's actions, they will also be watching to see how the state legislature responds to the verdict and whether Basabe will be held accountable for his behavior.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Last week, a jury in Tallahassee found that Republican State Representative Fabian Basabe sexually harassed two of his male staffers and committed battery against both. The jury also found Basabe defamed one of those staffers as well as that young man's mother on social media.Basabe, who represents
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim DeFede at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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