The arrest of a school resource officer in Gadsden County has sparked outrage among parents, who are now demanding answers about the district’s communication regarding the investigation. The officer, Sedale Canidate, was taken into custody at his Leon County home in July 2026, but the initial complaint dates back to. Parents express frustration over the delay in being informed about the ongoing investigation.
The case has raised serious concerns about student safety and the role of school resource officers. According to court documents, Canidate is accused of engaging in sexual activity with students and using his position to groom them. The allegations include inappropriate behavior both on and off school grounds, involving students aged 15 to 17.
The Allegations Against Sedale Canidate
Court documents reveal disturbing details about the allegations against Canidate. One student reported that the officer engaged in sexual activity with them inside his office at Gadsden County High School. The documents also allege that Canidate retrieved a condom from the nurse’s office before the encounter. Another student claimed that Canidate offered them a ride, drove them to a vacant home in Quincy, and sexually assaulted them.
The investigation further uncovered that Canidate allegedly used vape pens to groom some students. According to the records, he made inappropriate statements such as, “she was his now” and “what you gonna do for it?” These allegations have left parents feeling betrayed and concerned about the safety of their children.
Parents’ Concerns and the School District’s Response
Tracey Stallworth, a Gadsden County parent, is among those who have expressed their concerns. “This has been like a real painful and uncomfortable situation for everyone involved,” Stallworth said. Parents are questioning why they were not notified sooner about the investigation, which had been underway for nearly eight months before the arrest became public.
The Gadsden county school District issued a statement addressing the concerns. “The Gadsden County School District has zero tolerance for the conduct outlined in reports issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” the statement read. The district emphasized that they reported the matter to law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families as soon as they learned of the allegations. They also pledged to continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The Impact on the Community
Parents are calling for more transparency and communication from school leadership. Stallworth emphasized the need for the superintendent to address parents directly and reassure them about the safety measures being taken. “I just think that the superintendent needs to get in front of it or whoever is going to represent and reassure the parents that they are collaborating and working with the sheriff’s department,” he said.
The community is also concerned about the potential impact on the school district. Parents hope that this situation will not drive families away from Gadsden county schools. “I hope this is not a negative picture that will have parents moving their children to other districts,” Stallworth added. “Gadsden County is a thriving county with thriving schools, and we are getting better.”
As the investigation continues, parents are advocating for better communication when issues involving student safety arise. They believe that transparency is key to maintaining trust and ensuring the well-being of their children.