A former Sewanhaka High School security guard has been arrested on sexual abuse charges, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
Police said Daniel Valenzuela, 22, of Elmont was arrested on Dec. 5. He allegedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl while he was working at the high school, according to officials.
Police said several assaults occurred between June and October, but did not say whether the girl was a student at the school or where the assaults took place. The Sewanhaka Central High School District said Valenzuela’s last day on the job was Oct. 1.
“This individual had been vetted and cleared through all of the rigorous steps in our hiring process and we are appalled by these disturbing allegations,” Sewanhaka Superintendent James Grossane said in a statement. “We have conducted our own internal investigation on this matter and at this time have found no evidence to suggest any criminal activity took place on school grounds.”
Court records indicate that Valenzuela was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Dec. 6 and charged with a criminal sexual act in the first-degree and criminal sexual act in the third-degree. Officials said Valenzuela’s bail was set at $15,000 bond or $7,500 cash.
“Student safety and security is and always will be the district’s top priority,” Grossane said. “As this is an ongoing investigation, the district cannot provide further details and will cooperate with the Nassau County Police Department in any way necessary.”
Valenzuela’s lawyer could not be reached for comment, according to Newsday.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about this crime or anyone who may have been victimized to call the Special Victim Squad detectives at 516-573-4022 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous.
