A substitute teacher who recently worked at a Bradenton area elementary school is accused of molesting three young girls he knew outside of school.
The Bradenton Herald reports 29-year-old Brad Bellingar was arrested Wednesday on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation. An arrest report says the girls were ages 10, 12 and 13.
The investigation began Monday when the victims reported the abuse to Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Spokesman Dave Bristow says investigators only know of three victims but the potential for more victims can't be ruled out.
Mitchell Teitelbaum, the lawyer for Manatee County Schools, says investigators confirmed the charges don't involve Bellingar's role as a teacher. Bellingar was immediately removed as a substitute teacher.
Records don't say whether Bellingar has a lawyer.
