VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 51-year-old Deltona Middle School teacher was arrested after being accused of inappropriately touching a student in his classroom, according to a news release.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began in mid-September when a student told authorities Padilla rubbed her back, shoulder, and across her chest while assisting with an assignment.
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Padilla was immediately removed from classroom duties and reassigned to a role without student contact.
After a “thorough investigation,” Padilla was arrested on a child abuse charge on Monday, deputies said.
Padilla was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on a bond set at $5,000, according to the release.
Volusia County Schools said in a statement: “We are able to confirm that the individual is now on administrative leave and had been at a non-school site with no student contact since September when Professional Standards began its investigation. While VCS is unable to comment further while the investigation is pending, the well-being of our students continues to be our highest priority.”
No other victims have been identified, but the sheriff’s office asks anyone with information about additional cases to contact the VSO Child Exploitation Unit at ChildExploitationUnit@volusiasheriff.gov.