School van driver in Delaware arrested in child rape investigation

BEAR, Del. (WPHL) — A van driver contracted by Red Leion Christian Academy in Bear, Del. has been arrested for engaging in multiple sexual encounters with a 14-year-old student, according to New Castle County Police.

Authorities say Joseph Caceres, 34, of Bear, Del. was taken into custody on Sunday, following an investigation by the department’s Special Victims Unit. Detectives allege that Caceres began an unlawful sexual relationship with the student in November 2024, which continued until May 2025.

According to police, Caceres contacted the victim by phone in texts, picked her up in his personal vehicle, and brought her to various public locations as well as his own home. The investigation revealed that several incidents occurred at his residence, though he was not a school faculty member and had been employed solely as a transportation contractor.

Caceres has been charged with five felony counts of third-degree rape involving a victim under 16 years old. He is currently being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $100,000 cash bail.

The arrest has stunned some residents in the quiet Bear neighborhood where Caceres lived. While some said they’re shocked, others said they’re not surprised.

“It’s sad, disappointing; sometimes the whole situation seems hopeless,” one neighbor said. “I wish I could say it surprised me, but it doesn’t. It’s scary though.”

“To know that somebody that lives super close to me would take advantage of the school system is really sad,” Autumn Bruemmer said on Action News at 10 on PHL17.

As of Tuesday morning, Red Lion Christian Academy has not issued a public statement regarding the arrest or Caceres’ employment background. It remains unclear whether the school conducted background checks or was aware of any prior allegations.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Armelys Taveras at (302) 395-2784 or via email at Armelys.Taverasjerez@newcastlede.gov. You can also call the New Castle County Police non-emergency line at (302) 573-2800.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visiting http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.