Philadelphia

Supervisor Sexually Assaults Teen Lifeguard at Philly Public Pool, Police Say

Michael Daniels, 35, faces contact with a minor, indecent assault and corruption of a minor charges for an alleged series of incidents over the summer at Kelly Pool

A seasonal Philadelphia city worker has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage lifeguard who worked for him at a public pool over the summer.

Michael Daniels, a 35-year-old who worked as a lifeguard supervisor, is accused of indecently assaulting his 16-year-old employee at the John Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park.

Daniels assaulted the teenage girl in a series of incidents over the summer at Kelly Pool, Philadelphia Police Capt. Sekou Kinebrew said. 

"These were not welcomed advances," Kinebrew said.

The assaults began in July and the girl reported the alleged inappropriate contact in late August.

"It took enormous courage... for her to come forward with this," Kinebrew said of the victim reporting the alleged actions of her boss.

Daniels worked on and off at the Kelly Pool since 2013 and for two days this summer at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center Pool, Kinebrew said. 

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, which runs city pools, fired Daniels. Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell said the department is currently reviewing hiring practices and will make any changes necessary to protect employees and visitors.

"Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is deeply troubled that this individual worked in the system and takes this allegation very seriously," Ott Lovell said. "... Upon learning from the Philadelphia Police Department that (Daniels) was under investigation, he was immediately relieved of his duties and has since been terminated."

Police wanted to get Daniels’ face and name out there in case there are any more victims. As of Wednesday, no other victims had come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Philadelphia police.

Daniels was arraigned Tuesday on contact with a minor, indecent assault and corruption of a minor charges. Bail was set at $25,000 and he remained jailed Wednesday.

Philadelphia-based attorney, Carmen C. Nasuti III of Stein and Nasuti, called the allegations against Daniels "completely and wholly fabricated."

Correction: This story has been updated to properly reflect the name of the second pool where Daniels worked this summer. It was the Marian Anderson Recreation Center Pool.

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