Swim instructor confesses to molesting 2 girls, police say

Arrest report: Incidents occurred at Helen Sands community pool

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A swim instructor was arrested Tuesday after confessing to molesting two 9-year-old girls during swim classes in southwest Miami-Dade, authorities said.

According to an arrest report, the incidents occurred at the Helen Sands community pool at 16350 SW 280th St.

Authorities said both victims told their mother that their swim instructor, Daniel Diaz-Mejia, 20, of Cutler Bay, placed his fingers under their bathing suit and fondled their vagina during swim practice.

Diaz-Mejia confessed to both incidents after he was taken into custody for questioning, the report stated.

He faces two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under the age of 12.

Three mothers who brought their children to the Helen Sands pool Wednesday for the first time told Local 10 News reporter Liane Morejon that they were disturbed by the allegations.

"It's depressing. I'm speechless right now," one mother, identified as Heidi, said. 

"It's sad. As parents we need to feel secure with our kids," another mother, Isabel, said. 

The third mother, Breanne, said parents have a false sense of security bringing their children to public places.

"It's public. It's summer. Parents can't be on their phone. You have to watch your kids," she said. 

According to the Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation website, Diaz-Mejia is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond. 
 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.