In Sanford, Florida, a former police officer who also served as a school resource officer has been arrested following allegations of inappropriate communication with a student, according to a statement from the Sanford Police Department.

Pedro Enrique Da Silva was taken into custody on January 14. He faces charges of written solicitation of certain minors for lewd acts and a sexual offense committed by someone in a position of authority.

The situation came to light on December 17, 2025, when an officer from the department reported that Da Silva, who was assigned to Seminole High School, had been engaging in inappropriate exchanges with a student.

Upon receiving this report, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith promptly met with Da Silva, relieved him of his duties as a school resource officer, and terminated his employment with the department.

“The officer who reported this issue did exactly what is expected in such circumstances—immediately bringing the concern forward,” Chief Smith stated. “The actions of Da Silva are nothing short of vile and repugnant. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable. His role was to safeguard the students, yet he chose to exploit his position to prey on a 17-year-old. As a husband and parent, his actions are even more reprehensible. Make no mistake, he is a predator, and his conduct reflects the worst kind of criminal behavior,” Chief Smith emphasized.

An investigation was conducted with the help of the Seminole County School Board, and it was determined that Da Silva had numerous inappropriate interactions with a 17-year-old student while on duty, officers said.

The interactions took place while he was on duty between October 2025 and December 17, 2025.

“In one interaction, Da Silva made a lewd statement to the victim, then took out his phone and showed her several explicit pictures of himself. This interaction was corroborated by surveillance footage,” The Sanford Police Department said.

Da Silva has been employed as a police officer with the department since June 2024. He was assigned to Seminole High School as a school resource officer from July 28, 2025, to December 17, 2025.

“We are thankful for the quick and decisive action taken by the Sanford Police Department to remove this individual from his duty as soon as allegations of inappropriate communication and conduct with a student were reported,” said Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Serita D. Beamon. “We will continue to fully cooperate with this investigation and encourage any student or staff member who may have information relevant to this case to come forward.”

Anyone with information or who has had an inappropriate interaction with Da Silva is asked to contact the police department or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.