Bradenton substitute arrested after pulling student into closet, deputies say
Deputies arrested a substitute teacher at a Bradenton elementary school after a 10-year-old student reported inappropriate behavior, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said they arrested 26-year-old Malik Belvin on Tuesday on a charge of lewd and lascivious conduct after the principal of Abel Elementary School reported student complaints, including one girl’s account that he pulled her into a closet.
Investigators said the complaints came to light when the regular classroom teacher returned last week and multiple students described feeling uncomfortable with Belvin’s behavior. When the principal followed up on the complaints, deputies said one girl reported that Belvin allegedly pulled her into a closet and made an “inappropriate request” during school hours.
Crimes Against Children detectives interviewed several students and said they found probable cause to arrest Belvin. Deputies said the principal contacted them Monday, and Belvin was arrested the following day. The sheriff’s office website shows he remains in custody at the Manatee County Jail without bond.
The school notified the staffing agency that provided Belvin, and he was removed from the classroom and restricted from teaching while the case is pending, deputies said.
School district responds to arrest
The School District of Manatee County addressed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.
School officials said they have been notified by the sheriff’s office of the arrest and are cooperating with law enforcement.
The district said Belvin, a former contracted substitute, “has been barred from all District campuses” and that officials are “actively reviewing our processes for background screenings.”
“Our counselors are available to support students and staff as needed. The safety and well-being of our students will remain our highest priority,” officials added.
Letters sent Tuesday to families at Abel Elementary and Sugg Middle schools said the alleged incident occurred Friday at Abel and that Belvin was briefly on the Sugg campus Monday morning before being removed after school leaders learned of inappropriate comments.
“We remain committed to providing a safe, positive, and nurturing educational environment for all students. Thank you for your continued support and partnership during this difficult time,” the letters said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the sheriff’s office said no additional details are being released to protect the victim’s privacy.
