BRADENTON, Fla. — An elementary school paraprofessional in Manatee County has been arrested for lewd and lascivious molestation of a student.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, detectives began investigating Angel Rodriguez Mercado, 67, after a student at Abel Elementary School told a relative about the crime.
The sheriff's office said a safety plan was then put in place and Mercado was removed from contact with children at the school as the investigation continued.
Wednesday, the sheriff's office said Mercado confessed to committing the crime on the victim at school. He was arrested and remains in the Manatee County Jail.
The elementary school released the following statement in response to Mercado's arrest.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a Teacher’s Aide at Abel Elementary School has been arrested on allegations of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation. As soon as the district was made aware of the allegations, the Teacher’s Aid, Angel Rodriguez Mercado, was immediately removed from any interaction with students in the school district until this matter is completely resolved. The Sheriff’s Office is reporting that Mercado has confessed to committing the crime.
The school and school district will fully cooperate with law enforcement throughout this case.
In addition, a district support team of psychologists and social workers will be available at the school to meet with students, staff and members of the school community as needed.
We urge you to let law enforcement take the lead in this matter and to continue your support of Abel Elementary School.
We also join the Sheriff’s Office in encouraging parents to speak to their children about molestation and how to report this crime. Sheriff’s Detectives also encourage anyone who has information about this case or knows someone who could be a victim, to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011.
Detectives asked anyone who has information about the case or knows someone who could be a victim to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011.
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