Former Seminole High resource officer arrested for sexual solicitation

A former Sanford school resource officer, identified as Pedro Enrique Da Silva, was jailed Wednesday after police said he engaged in "inappropriate conduct" with a 17-year-old student while on duty at Seminole High School. The arrest followed a criminal investigation that began after communications between Da Silva and the student came to light last month.

Police said the investigation found several inappropriate interactions between October and Dec. 17, while Da Silva was assigned to the school. "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," the police release said. "This interaction was corroborated by surveillance footage." Da Silva was terminated from his role after the allegations surfaced.

Da Silva faces three felony counts: written solicitation of certain minors to commit a lewd or lascivious act; a sex offense involving an authority figure soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct with a student; and showing obscene material to a minor. Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith described the conduct as "vile, disgusting, and repulsive," and said the officer "used his position to manipulate and attempt to groom a 17-year-old child."

The arrest has immediate implications for Seminole County families and the school community. Parents and students told school leaders they want clear answers about how the interactions were missed while Da Silva served as a sworn officer on campus, and whether supervision, training or reporting channels were sufficient. The presence of sworn officers in schools is intended to keep students safe, but incidents like this can erode trust and leave victims reluctant to come forward.

Beyond accountability, there are public health and social equity concerns. Young people who experience sexual exploitation or grooming can carry long-term psychological and behavioral impacts. Access to trauma-informed counseling, confidential reporting, and culturally competent support is critical, particularly for teens who may fear retaliation or stigma. Marginalized students often face additional barriers to reporting abuse; school and county leaders need to ensure resources and outreach reach all families.

Sanford police said Da Silva had been employed as an officer since June 2024 and assigned as a school resource officer at Seminole High School between July 28 and Dec. 17. Anyone with more information or who experienced other inappropriate interactions with Da Silva is urged to contact Sanford Police or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

The takeaway? Parents should check in with their teens, ask schools what supports are available, and demand transparency from officials. Our two cents? If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to school counselors or the number above — healing starts with being heard.