Manatee Elementary Teacher Arrested on Felony Charges, Placed on Leave
A Manatee County teacher has been arrested on charges involving child sexual abuse materials and bestiality, according to Hillsborough County deputies.
The School District of Manatee County identified the teacher as 41-year-old Daniel Armando Munive Viruet, a resource teacher at Manatee Elementary School in Bradenton. District officials confirmed that Munive Viruet was placed on administrative leave on Monday and has not been on campus since his arrest on Tuesday morning. He will not return to the school, officials said.
Hillsborough County Jail records show Munive Viruet was booked on two third-degree felony charges: possession of child sexual abuse materials and possession of an image or video of sexual activity with an animal. He remains in custody without bond at the Orient Road Jail in Tampa.
School officials emphasized that the charges stem from incidents in Hillsborough County, and there is no indication that any Manatee Elementary students were involved in these incidents. The district stated that counselors are available to provide support for students and staff, and reiterated its commitment to student safety and well-being.
The district also encouraged parents and staff to contact law enforcement if they have information that may aid the investigation, noting it is fully cooperating with authorities as the case moves forward.
