Sarasota Bus Driver Arrested for Sexual Misconduct
A Sarasota school community is reeling after a 42-year-old employee was arrested for alleged sexual misconduct with a student. Authorities say Daniel Lamont Wilson, a former security aide and bus driver, is accused of exploiting his position of trust. The investigation spans Sarasota and Manatee counties and highlights critical concerns about school safety protocols.
Sarasota School Employee Arrested After Alleged Sexual Misconduct with Student
A pattern of trust betrayed has left a Sarasota school community shaken. Authorities say a 42-year-old Bradenton man who served as a campus security aide and later as a school bus driver was arrested after investigators concluded he engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old student.
How the case unfolded
Manatee County detectives say the probe began in August after Sarasota County Schools’ own police unit raised concerns. Investigators identified the suspect as Daniel Lamont Wilson, who lives in the 600 block of Cortez Road in Bradenton.
According to law enforcement, Wilson struck up a relationship with a student at Booker High School and offered her a place to stay. Detectives say multiple incidents of sexual battery occurred at his Bradenton residence.
Wilson faces a charge of sexual battery by an offender in a position of authority. He was taken into custody on Oct. 14 in North Port by that city’s police and booked into the Sarasota County Jail where no bond was allowed.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office told reporters there is, at this time, no indication of additional victims. The investigation remains active and detectives say they will follow leads as they emerge.
School district response
Sarasota County Schools confirmed officials were aware of the arrest and are cooperating with local law enforcement. The district said Wilson was hired in 2024 as a campus security aide and most recently worked as a school bus driver. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
District officials emphasized their cooperation with investigators and reiterated the importance of student safety while law enforcement completes its work.
When an adult who works inside a school uses a position of trust to exploit a student, the damage goes beyond one case. Families, classmates, and school staff must contend with questions about oversite, hiring practices, and how students are protected on and off campus.
This arrest raises those questions locally in Sarasota and Bradenton, where communities expect schools and transportation staff to safeguard young people every school day.
Wilson is charged and in custody while the investigation continues. Prosecutors will review evidence gathered by Manatee County detectives before deciding on formal court actions. The sheriff’s office said it will provide updates as appropriate.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact law enforcement. For the community, the case is a reminder to report suspicious conduct and to keep pressure on institutions to protect students.
We will continue to follow this story and bring updates as they become available.
