Punta Gorda Middle School teacher accused of sexually abusing child for years

A Punta Gorda Middle School teacher has been arrested in connection with a Sarasota County investigation alleging he sexually abused a child he knew over a period of several years, authorities said.

Brian Pavluchuk, 40, was arrested Friday. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said Pavluchuk is accused of sexually abusing the victim from 2014 to 2017.

"We are deeply troubled by the arrest made today involving a Charlotte County Public Schools employee. While this matter did not occur within a school setting, we want to be clear that every CCPS employee is held to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, both on and off campus," Claudette Smith, the public information officer of Charlotte County Public Schools, said.

Pavluchuk is facing felony charges including sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation.

"We understand the concern and disappointment this creates within our community, and we take these matters seriously. The individual has been placed on administrative leave as we follow established procedures and continue to work closely with the appropriate authorities. We encourage anyone with information related to this matter to contact local law enforcement," Smith said.

Pavluchuk was taken into custody by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Task Force (Fort Myers) on a warrant from Sarasota County.

SCSO asked anyone with additional information on Palvuchuk's case or other possible victims to contact its Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900.

SCSO said the investigation remains ongoing.