WILDWOOD, Fla. — A Sumter County school employee was arrested on sexual battery and burglary charges after an investigation into an attack on an 83-year-old woman and separate incidents at a Wildwood retirement community, the sheriff’s office announced Oct. 31.
Nicolas McCray, 45, was booked into the Sumter County Detention Center and was being held without bond, according to the agency’s news release.
Cameras captured return to woman’s home, deputies say
The investigation began after a reported sexual battery in the Village of Lynnhaven. The incident was reported to the Sheriff’s Office at 4:14 a.m. Oct. 22. Authorities said the woman did not know the person who attacked her.
Afterward, the woman installed a doorbell camera and a second security camera on the side of her house. Three days later, the cameras recorded a suspect returning in the early morning hours, looking through her windows and attempting to open the front door, according to investigators. He did not gain entry and left.
Detectives identified McCray and took him into custody without incident. The Sheriff’s Office said he admitted to the allegations in that case during questioning.
McCray faces charges of burglary with battery and sexual battery in connection with the Oct. 22 incident, along with a separate aggravated stalking charge stemming from his alleged return to the home.
Investigation links suspect to earlier Wildwood cases
Investigators said they also developed evidence linking McCray to incidents at Carriage House Gracious Retirement Living in Wildwood on Nov. 2, Dec. 21 and Dec. 23, 2025. Those incidents were originally reported to the Wildwood Police Department.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, McCray admitted being at the retirement community, and further investigation corroborated the reported activity. He faces additional charges of burglary with battery, sexual battery, and loitering and prowling in connection with those cases.
Suspect works at Wildwood Elementary School
The Sheriff’s Office identified McCray as a Sumter County School Board employee assigned to Wildwood Elementary School as a physical education paraprofessional.
Authorities emphasized that there is no indication at this time that he had improper contact with any children. The agency said it has communicated with the School Board and will coordinate with school officials to investigate any allegations that may arise. The release did not specify any change in his employment status.
Sheriff asks public for information
Sheriff Pat Breeden said the agency remains committed to investigating reports of sexual violence and protecting victims’ privacy.
“Coming forward takes courage, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating every report and holding offenders accountable,” Breeden said in the release.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information about McCray is asked to contact Inspector John Knight at 352-569-1600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
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