MAITLAND, Fla. – A camp counselor in Maitland is accused of molesting a young child at a day camp.
Mahlyk Poole, 21, is charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim younger than 12 years old.
A judge denied bond for Poole during an initial appearance Friday, noting that the charge carries a penalty of life imprisonment.
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The investigation into Poole began Wednesday afternoon, when Maitland police officers responded to the family of a child who alleged “inappropriate contact” earlier in the day, according to Maitland police.
Poole was booked into Orange County Jail, Friday morning.
The alleged activity happened at Discover After School, which operates a camp at Dommerich Elementary School. The camp rents the facility from Orange County Public Schools.
Maitland police said the investigation is ongoing and involves coordination between the Florida Department of Children and Families and OCPS “to ensure the well-being of all children attending the camp.”
As of Friday afternoon, OCPS has not responded to News 6 for a request for comment.
A representative for Discover After School also declined to provide a statement in response to the allegations, but did confirm that Poole has been fired from the camp.