School employee accused of sexually abusing teen, Manatee deputies say
A school employee is accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old student after she became homeless and moved into his Bradenton home, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives said Daniel Wilson, 42, met and befriended the student late last year while working as a security aide at Booker High School and later offered her a place to stay. While she was living at his home in the 600 block of Cortez Road West, investigators said he coerced her into smoking a substance she called “Moonshine Rock” and sexually abused her multiple times.
The investigation began Aug. 12 after the Sarasota County School Police notified Manatee deputies about the allegations, according to a news release. Investigators said Wilson later “partially admitted to several of the allegations” during questioning.
According to the sheriff’s office, Wilson most recently worked as a bus driver for Sarasota County Schools.
North Port police arrested Wilson on Tuesday and charged him with sexual battery by an offender in a position of authority, deputies said. Under Florida law, sexual battery by an offender in a position of authority is classified as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison.
In a statement to the Bradenton Herald on Wednesday, Sarasota County Schools said it is “aware of the arrest and is cooperating with local law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.”
The district confirmed Wilson was hired in 2024 as a campus security aide and most recently served as a school bus driver. District spokesperson Kelsey Whealy said Wilson has been placed on administrative leave.
Jail records show Wilson remains in custody at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.
The sheriff’s office said they have found no evidence of other victims, and the investigation is ongoing.
This story was originally published October 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM.
