Man Indicted in Gainesville for Sexually Abusing 12-Year-Old

On Tuesday, a federal grand jury in Gainesville indicted Bryan Cardozo-Mendieta, 21, for one count of child solicitation and two counts of possessing or receiving child sexual abuse material. 

Cardozo-Mendieta was initially arrested in December 2025 by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). 

According to an LCSO press release, investigators with the Department of Children and Families alerted school resource officers “of a possible inappropriate relationship between a 12 year old student and adult male.” This prompted an investigation where deputies “found digital evidence confirming an inappropriate sexual relationship.” 

According to the press release, “Detectives and a Victim Advocate responded to a [Levy County] 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.”

When detectives located Cardozo-Mendieta at his home, he reportedly “attempted to destroy and conceal evidence and had to be restrained.”

Under a magistrate’s orders, Cardozo-Mendieta will be transferred from the Levy County Jail into federal custody.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Winifred L. Acosta.

[Click Here To Read The Indictment]