Palm Harbor Teacher Accused of Sexual Battery On 16-Year-Old

PALM HARBOR, FL - A 43-year-old teacher from Palm Harbor was arrested Wednesday afternoon for sexual battery on a 16-year-old for incidents occurring in 2009. Matthew Franklin Pinder, who was a teacher at Calvary Christian High School at the time, was charged with one count of sexual battery. He resigned from Palm Harbor University High School prior to being transported to jail.

Pinellas sheriff's detectives began their investigation on Nov. 11, 2017, after the now 24-year-old victim informed a school official of the past inappropriate sexual contact with Pinder, according to the sheriff's office. The school official reported the allegation to the school resource deputy and school officials.

Investigators say that at the time of the inappropriate sexual contact, the victim was 16-years old and a student at Calvary Christian High School. Pinder was employed as a teacher at Calvary Christian and serving as a mentor to the juvenile victim. Detectives say Pinder admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual activity on at least two different occasions with the 16-year old victim. The incidents occurred at a private residence in Pinellas County, detectives said.

Pinder was arrested at about 1 p.m. Wednesday at Palm Harbor University High School. Pinder was transported to Pinellas County Jail without incident. Detectives say no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

Detectives say there may be more victims and they are requesting anyone with information regarding inappropriate contact Pinder may have had with other children to contact the sheriff's office. Pinder was employed at the following schools: Indian Rocks Christian School 2000 to 2002, Calvary Christian High School from 2002 to 2004. Pinder moved to Kentucky and returned as a teacher to Calvary Christian High School in 2009 to 2011. Pinder became employed at Palm Harbor University High School as a teacher in 2011 to 2018.

Pinder informed detectives he currently volunteers 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 troop and Cub Scout pack. Pinder is no longer a volunteer with the organizations.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Meredith Dimundo with the Crimes against Children's Unit at (727) 582-6200. The investigation continues.

Image via Shutterstock; 2nd image via Pinellas County Sheriff