BRADENTON, FL — A former educator has been taken into custody following allegations of inappropriate conduct with students, as stated in a news release from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Richard Silberman, 72, faces serious charges including three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and two counts of battery.
The investigation into Silberman commenced on April 4, when deputies were alerted after multiple children from Team Success—a public charter school in Bradenton where Silberman was employed—came forward, claiming he had “touched them on a leg or shoulder in ways that made them feel uncomfortable,” according to the sheriff’s office.
During the questioning of one student, it was reported that Silberman had “placed his hand on a 10-year-old’s clothing in their genital region.” The student also mentioned that similar inappropriate behaviors had occurred in the past.
In response to these alarming allegations, Team Success promptly suspended Silberman from his teaching responsibilities and instructed him not to return to campus.
Throughout a comprehensive two-week investigation, detectives from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Section collected testimonies from additional students who reported feeling uncomfortable with Silberman’s actions.
Silberman, who is currently held at the Manatee County Jail, has denied all allegations against him.
Key Information
- Location: Bradenton, FL
- Accused: Richard Silberman, 72
- Charges: 3 counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, 2 counts of battery
- Incident Date: Investigation began on April 4
- School: Team Success, a public charter school
- Status: Silberman denies the accusations; currently in Manatee County Jail
Article original publish date: 2025-04-25 07:00:00
Article source: patch.com
Read the full story at the original source: patch.com
