Watch CBS News

Park Director Bonds Out After Accused Of Having Sex With Teen

HIALEAH (CBSMiami) -- A Hialeah Park director, accused of engaging in sexual acts with a minor, was released from jail on Thursday.

Erik Edward Blanco, 38, director of Bucky Dent Park  was arrested on Wednesday on charges of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.

Blanco allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old park goer who also worked as a park volunteer.

"My cousin came to my house and told me that, on the fourth, someone had left an anonymous letter on her door, stating they'd seen my child with Mr. Blanco, having intimate relations in the break room during park hours," said the victim's mother. She did not want to identify herself by name to protect her daughter's identity.

Her mother said the incidents happened at the park. She said Blanco is married with children and was always friendly with her.

"What he was doing and he would come and smile in my face," said the alleged victim's mother.

She said she saw changes in her daughter recently, but never suspected the relationship.

"She didn't want to be home. All she wanted to do was go to the park. She was different. She wasn't the same child that she had always been," said the alleged victim's mother.

According to the arrest affidavit, he met the victim, a now 18-year-old female, at the park in July of 2013.

On April 7th, the victim disclosed that Blanco would talk to her via text. According to the girl's mother, Blanco also sent sexual texts to the girl.

In November and December of 2013, Blanco and the girl allegedly engaged in sexual acts in the break room of the park at least once a week over a two month time span, according to the report.

The girl said in the report that her and Blanco would engage in sexual activity after-hours, between 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. She also said that, on occasion, the two would get together during park hours.

Hialeah Police said they were first given the information by the girl's family on April 7th.

The girl's mother worries other young people may also have been targeted and she hopes any victims will notify an adult.

"Let them know if this has happened to you, because if it happened to my child, it can happen to anybody's child that goes there," said the girl's mother.

Blanco is currently out on bond and on non-work status pending termination of his employment.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.