A Wildwood Elementary School physical education teacher’s aide is now facing charges relating to multiple sexual assault cases near The Villages, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say they received a report from an 83-year-old woman that she was assaulted Oct. 22 by a man she didn’t know.
An investigation was opened, and deputies say that woman put cameras outside her home to see if the suspect returned.
Days later, deputies say Nicolas McCray, a Wildwood Elementary School teacher’s aide, returned to the home, tried to get in, but was unable and left.
That incident led to investigative efforts that ended in McCray’s arrest on early Saturday morning.
Deputies say McCray admitted to the allegations in the case.
During the investigation, deputies learned there were similar incidents in a separate Wildwood retirement community between November and December of last year, that had been reported to Wildwood Police.
Deputies say they were able to place McCray at three crime scenes involving sexual battery, and that he admitted to being at that location.
McCray, was arrested and charged with burglary with battery and sexual battery in connection with the October 22 incident. He is also facing charges of aggravated stalking for returning to the victim’s home, deputies say.
McCray is also facing charges of burglary with battery, sexual battery, and loitering and prowling in connection with the separate incidents in Wildwood.
Deputies say there is no indication McCray has made any improper contact with children, and that they have been in contact with the Sumter County School Board to investigate any allegations that arise.
News 6 has reached out to the school district for comment, here is their statement:
Sumter County School District has been notified of the arrest of a district employee. The individual was previously employed by the district from 2008 until 2021 and subsequently returned to employment at the beginning of the 2024 school year.
We are deeply disturbed by the nature of the allegations surrounding this arrest. The conduct alleged is reprehensible and stands in direct opposition to the values, expectations, and high standards of personal and professional conduct we expect from every individual employed by our school district.
The district will cooperate fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation and will take all appropriate administrative action in accordance with district policy and applicable law.
Sumter County School District
McCray is being held on no bond.