Former Substitute Arrested Following Investigation at Manatee Schools
A former contracted substitute teacher with the School District of Manatee County has been arrested in connection with charges of lewd or lascivious offenses involving a minor under the age of 16.
Authorities confirmed that Malik Belvin was taken into custody on the evening of Tuesday, September 30. The charges stem from an incident reported on Friday, September 26, at Abel Elementary School.
According to district officials, Belvin was briefly present on the campus of Sugg Middle School on Monday, September 29, prior to the initiation of the investigation. He was removed from campus later that day after administrators became aware of inappropriate comments he had made earlier in the morning.
The arrest follows a joint investigation involving the School District of Manatee County, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Child Protective Services. The district has stated it will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and child welfare agencies.
District leaders emphasized their ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive educational environment for students as the investigation continues.