Former Sanford SRO Pedro Da Silva Arrested Over Alleged Student Communications

Sanford police arrested former School Resource Officer Pedro Enrique Da Silva, 36, on Jan. 14, 2026 and transported him to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility after investigators say he engaged in inappropriate communications with a 17-year-old female student at Seminole High School in Sanford. The Sanford Police Department announced the arrest and said Da Silva was taken into custody without incident.

Da Silva had been assigned as the SRO at Seminole High School beginning July 28, 2025, and SPD alleges the improper interactions took place between October 2025 and Dec. 17, 2025. Sanford Police say a fellow officer reported inappropriate communications on Dec. 17, 2025; Chief Cecil Smith met with Da Silva that day, immediately removed him from SRO duties and terminated his employment, and SPD’s Investigations Section opened a criminal probe.

Sanford PD listed three counts in its criminal filing: one count of Written Solicitation of Certain Minors to Commit a Lewd or Lascivious Act, one count described as Sex Offense Authority Figure Solicit Engage Sexual Conduct with Student, and one count of Obscene Materials - Show Obscene Material to a Minor. At a first appearance a judge found probable cause on all three counts and set bail at $5,000 for count one, $35,000 for count two, and $5,000 for count three. Court-ordered conditions include no contact with anyone under 18, a ban on returning to Seminole High School, and GPS monitoring, with an explicit exception allowing Da Silva to see his 2-year-old child; the next court date is March 3, 2026.

Sanford Police say surveillance footage corroborated at least one interaction in which Da Silva allegedly made a lewd statement and showed the student explicit photos of himself. The Orlando Sentinel and SPD reporting include a specific allegation that Da Silva asked the underage student if he could perform oral sex on her and that he displayed nude images during a school interaction; those details are reflected in the criminal complaint described by police.

Chief Cecil Smith publicly condemned Da Silva’s conduct, saying, "This man’s actions can be described as nothing but vile, disgusting, and repulsive. This type of conduct will not be tolerated," and that Da Silva "acted as a predator, using his position to manipulate and attempt to groom a 17-year-old child." Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Serita D. Beamon commended Sanford Police for a swift response and confirmed the district is cooperating with the investigation. Parent Niels Leppert said, "It’s a little bit shocking," and urged safeguards to prevent similar incidents.

Sanford Police provided details of the Dec. 17, 2025 notification, the immediate termination and the Jan. 14, 2026 arrest on its official page. Residents with information can contact Sanford non-emergency dispatch at 407-665-6650.