Daycare Owner, 60, Arrested On Molestation Charge

BRADENTON, FL — A 60-year-old Bradenton daycare owner is accused of molesting an 8-year-old girl over the course of the last three years. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced Melvin Norris’ arrest Thursday.

According to the sheriff’s office, its agency began its investigation into the allegations on Wednesday, April 26. That investigation resulted in Norris’ arrest Wednesday night on lewd and lascivious molestation charges.

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“The incidents occurred over the last three years at the residence of Norris,” an email from the sheriff’s office said. The victim is now 8 years old, the agency noted.

Anyone with further information about the case is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011.

Norris and his wife are the owners and operators of Norris Family Day Care Home in East Bradenton, according to the sheriff's office. The 8-year-old girl was not one of the children the Norris’ cared for at their daycare, authorities said.

Norris was booked into the Manatee County Jail following his arrest. He remained there in lieu of $100,000 bond, jail records indicate.

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Booking photo courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office