Miami-Dade Swimming Instructor Allegedly Abused 5 Young Girls

MIAMI, FL —A total of five young girls under the age of 10 have allegedly been abused at the hand of a 20-year-old swimming instructor in Miami-Dade County and police are asking parents of other potential victims to come forward.

Daniel Diaz-Mejia has been behind bars since earlier this month after the mother of two 9-year-old girls told investigators with the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Sexual Crimes Unit that the swimming instructor touched her girls inappropriately under their swimsuits, Detective Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police Department said on Thursday.

"Upon being interviewed by investigators, Diaz-Mejia admitted to the allegations and added that he had molested two additional female victims, ages 7 and 8," Zabaleta said. "Investigators later confirmed the admissions."

Zabaleta said that the parent of a fifth girl contacted the Special Victims Bureau and told investigators that her 7-year-old was also molested by the swimming instructor.

Diaz-Meji of the 9200 block of SW 227th Street in Cutler Bay was facing five counts of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under 12. He remains in custody at Turner Guilford Knight Detention Center.

The incidents occurred at the South Dade Park Aquatic Center in Homestead on July 15, 16 and 19, according to Miami-Dade police.

Arrest documents said Diaz-Meji allegedly touched all of the girls under their bathing suits. He allegedly admitted to four of the five incidents, according to Miami-Dade police.

Investigators are asking the parents of any other possible victims to call the Miami-Dade County Police Department's Special Victims Bureau at 305-715-3300. Alternatively, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477; Visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip," or text CSMD followed by the tip to 274637.