A Palm Harbor high school teacher was arrested on Jan. 24 after a former student informed the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office that they'd had inappropriate sexual contact on at least two occasions.
- Matthew Franklin Pinder, 43, a teacher at Palm Harbor University High School
- Victim, 24 years old now, was 16 at time of sexual contact with Pinder
- Investigators believe there may have been other victims
Officials said the investigation into Palm Harbor University High School teacher Matthew Pinder, 43, began in November 2017. The former student and victim, now 24 years old, informed a school official of past inappropriate sexual contact with Pinder while he was a teacher at Calvary Christian High School. The victim was 16 at the time, and Pinder was serving as the victim's mentor.
Detectives arrested Pinder at Palm Harbor University High School around 1 p.m. on Jan. 24, and charged him with one count of Sexual Battery (custodial authority). They said Pinder admitted to having inappropriate contact with the victim on at least two different occasions.
Prior to being transported to the Pinellas County jail, Pinder resigned from his position at the school.
Detectives believe there may have been more victims, and are requesting the public come forward with any information regarding inappropriate contact Pinder may have had with other children. Pinder was employed at the following schools:
- Indian Rocks Christian School: 2000 - 2002
- Calvary Christian High School: 2002 - 2004 and 2009 - 2011
- Palm Harbor University High School: 2011 - 2018
David Rice, Executive Pastor for Calvary Church, provided us with this statement when we reached out to the church about Pinder's arrest:
"Matthew Pinder worked for us years ago. We are deeply troubled by the accusations that have been brought against him. We deeply sympathize with all victims of sexual abuse. We are committed to cooperating with law enforcement to make sure sexual abusers are brought to justice, and this case is no exception."
Also, the Pinellas County School District released this statement following Pinder's arrest:
The school's focus right now is to provide support for students, families, and employees. Counseling support will be available for as long as needed. The school will work with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office as law enforcement completes their investigation. Matthew Pinder resigned as of Jan. 24 and is no longer a teacher at Palm Harbor University High School.
In addition, Pinder informed detectives that he volunteered as a scoutmaster of a Boy Scout Troop, and is the Den Leader for a Cub Scout Pack in Pinellas County. Detectives have notified the respective Boy Scout troop and Cub Scout Pack of his arrest.
Anyone with information about this case please contact Detective Meredith Dimundo with the Crimes Against Children Unit at 727-582-6200.