Punta Gorda Middle School teacher in jail on child sex abuse charges

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — A teacher at Punta Gorda Middle School is behind bars, facing multiple felony charges in a child sexual battery investigation.

The school district says the alleged crimes did not happen on school grounds, but parents say the arrest is raising serious concerns about the safety of children.

For many parents, this wasn't just about an arrest—it was about learning that someone they trusted to stand in front of a classroom is now accused of sexually abusing a child.

Every morning, parents drop their kids off at school expecting they'll be safe. That's why news of the arrest is hitting so hard, even though a spokesperson with the Charlotte County Schools says it did not happen on school grounds.

"My reaction was, you know, kind of shocked to hear you know someone that used to teach your son," a parent who wants to remain anonymous said. "And then of course you're always concerned if there was, you know, maybe other victims that you don't know about," the parent added.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says Brian Pavluchuck is accused of sexually abusing a child he knew multiple times between 2014 and 2017.

Pavluchuck is currently employed as a teacher at Punta Gorda Middle School.

"I was a little bit surprised, but at the same time, I kind of wasn't," Tyler Caron, a former student, said.

One parent told WINK News, "It is deeply disturbing to learn that someone entrusted with the care and education of children has been accused of harming a child. As a parent, it left me feeling devastated, angry and concerned."

"He definitely tried to become friendly with the kids and offered to take them fishing because I know at one time he offered to take my son fishing as well," the anonymous parent said. "So it's yes, it's definitely very concerning."

This isn't the first time a teacher connected to Punta Gorda Middle School has faced child sex crime charges. Earlier this year, former P.E. teacher and coach Dagoberto Pena was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison.

Now, parents are asking how they can have confidence the people entrusted with their children are being properly vetted. "Definitely very angry, and it makes you wonder how the background checks are being done," the anonymous parent said.

Charlotte County Public Schools say Pavluchuck has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

"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," CCPS spokesperson Claudette Smith said in a statement.

The sheriff's office says the investigation is still active.

Detectives are asking anyone with information, or who believes they may have been a victim, to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.