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Charges Dropped Against Park Director Accused Of Having Sex With Teen

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Charges have been dropped against a Hialeah park director who was accused of engaging in sexual acts with a minor.

Erick Blanco, 38, director of Bucky Dent Park was arrested April 16th, 2014 and charged with unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. He was accused of having a sexual relationship last year with a 17-year old who went to the park and also worked there as a volunteer.  The teen has since turned 18-years old.

The teen's mother told CBS4 after his arrest that her cousin came to her home and told her someone had left an anonymous note on her door stating that Blanco was having sex with her daughter in the break room during park hours. According to the girl's mother, Blanco also sent sexual texts to the girl.

On Thursday, June 5th, the State Attorney's Office announced that they were dropping formal charges against Blanco.

"The arrest was based on an unfounded anonymous complaint and the State Attorney's Office recognized that. We are grateful that the State Attorney's Office took the time to investigate the allegations and not rush to judgment. Unfortunately, the damage to Mr. Blanco's reputation was done and the allegations will forever haunt him. Nevertheless, the Blanco family is glad to have this matter put behind them and they are extremely happy that justice prevailed," said Blanco's attorney Erick Cruz in a statement.

Cruz said the state had to drop the charges because there was "insufficient evidence" in the case. He added the investigators were expecting to find text messages on Blanco's phone that would confirm a relationship, but they weren't there.

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