On December 11, 2025 Investigators with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) alerted Levy County School Resource Officers of a possible inappropriate relationship between a 12 year old student and adult male. School Resource Deputies conducted the initial investigation with DCF and found digital evidence confirming an inappropriate sexual relationship. School Resource personnel contacted the Criminal Investigation Division for further investigation.
Detectives and a Victim Advocate responded to a local middle school to conduct interviews with witnesses and parents of the juvenile victim. The victim also participated in a forensic interview at the University of Florida with Child Protection Team investigators. Digital evidence identified Bryan Cardozo-Mendieta, a 21 year old from Williston as the suspect involved in the sexual relationship with the juvenile.
On December 18, 2025 Detective Ryan Sullivan and Detective Cody Weaver located Cardozo-Mendietas at his residence in Williston. Cardozo-Mendieta immediately attempted to destroy and conceal evidence and had to be restrained. He was then taken into custody. Cardozo-Mendieta was transported to the Levy County Detention Center and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation and transmission of harmful material to a minor. He is being held on no bond.
Additional criminal charges are expected to be filed against Cardozo-Mendieta. Detectives believe more victims could be identified as this investigation continues. Anyone who has been in contact with Cardozo-Medieta and has information about his activities is urged to call Detective Ryan Sullivan or Detective Cody Weaver at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (352)486-5111.