According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, 51‑year‑old Julio Padilla was taken into custody on November 24 and charged with child abuse following a two‑month investigation. The case began in mid‑September when a student reported that Padilla rubbed her back, shoulder, and chest while assisting her with an assignment. The student’s mother alerted authorities after her daughter requested to be moved to another class, sparking a joint investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

School officials acted quickly once the allegations surfaced, removing Padilla from his teaching duties and reassigning him to a role with no student contact while the investigation unfolded. After reviewing the evidence, the State Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest. Padilla was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail, where his bond was set at $5,000.

Padilla has denied the allegations, but investigators stress that the case remains open. At this time, no other victims have come forward, though the Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact its Child Exploitation Unit.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Deltona community, where parents and students are grappling with the disturbing allegations. Local officials have emphasized that student safety is their highest priority, noting that the swift removal of Padilla from classroom duties was intended to protect children while the investigation proceeded.

Community leaders say the case underscores the importance of vigilance and transparency in schools. Parents have expressed both relief that the allegations were taken seriously and concern about how such incidents can be prevented in the future. The Volusia County School District has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.

As the legal process moves forward, the case serves as a reminder of the critical role of reporting and accountability in protecting students. Authorities continue to encourage families to speak up if they suspect misconduct, reinforcing that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility between schools, parents, and law enforcement.