A 51-year-old middle school teacher in Volusia County was arrested this week after an investigation allegedly revealed that he inappropriately touched one of his students.
In mid-September, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after a female student at Deltona Middle School reported that her teacher, identified as Julio Vincent Padilla, had “rubbed her back, shoulder, and across her chest,” according to VCSO.
The student told the sheriff’s office that the incident occurred while Padilla was helping her with an assignment.
Immediately after the allegation was made by the victim, Padilla was removed from his classroom and reassigned to a position that does not have any contact with students.
After conducting a thorough investigation, VCSO detectives submitted an affidavit to the State Attorney’s Office for review, which resulted in a court order authorizing law enforcement to arrest Padilla.
On Monday, November 24, Padilla was placed under arrest and booked into Volusia County Jail. He bonded out of jail the following day, and he is being charged with one count of child abuse.
In a social media post, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office stated that no other victims have been identified in this case. If anyone has information regarding similar incidents involving Padilla, the agency asks that you contact the VCSO Child Exploitation Unit via email at: [email protected].