WINK News Digital Team
•7/24/2026
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — A Punta Gorda Middle School teacher has been arrested in connection with a child sexual battery investigation, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
On Friday, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Task Force out of Fort Myers, arrested Brian Pavluchuk in connection with the investigation.
Investigators say Pavluchuk is accused of sexually abusing a child multiple times over several years, from 2014 through 2017.
According to deputies, detectives established probable cause for felony charges, including sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation, after reviewing interviews, witness statements and recorded admissions.
Pavluchuk, 40, is currently a teacher at Punta Gorda Middle School. Charlotte County Public Schools placed him on administrative leave following his arrest.
Charlotte County Public Schools spokesperson Claudette Smith released the following statement:
"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. 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."
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with additional information about this case, or anyone who believes they may have information related to possible additional victims, is asked to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900.
