Punta Gorda Middle School teacher in child sexual abuse case could face life in prison or death

A Punta Gorda Middle School teacher arrested after being accused of sexually abusing a child for years could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. According to court documents, the State Attorney's Office charged Brian Pavluchuk on Aug. 12 with three counts of sexual battery by a person 18 years of age or older upon a child less than 12 years old. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said Pavluchuk is accused of sexually abusing the victim from 2014 to 2017. A report stated it was when he worked as a Young Marines instructor. 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. Charlotte County Public Schools responded to the arrest, noting that the alleged abuse did not occur in a school setting. Pavluchuk's criminal felony arraignment is set for Sept. 11. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.