Substitute teacher in Manatee accused of sexually abusing 3 girls

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – On Wednesday Manatee County detectives charged an Ellenton man with sexually abusing three girls.

Brad Bellingar, 29, is charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. The victims are ages 10, 12 and 13, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. None of his victims were students.

“Detectives were told the sexual abuse has gone on for several years,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said.

Bellingar has been working as a substitute teacher for the Manatee County School District since 2011. He’s mostly worked at Ida Stewart Elementary in Bradenton.

Anyone who has more information should call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011, ext. 1906.