In a recent verdict by a Lake County jury, a 51-year-old former high school science teacher has been found guilty of several charges related to mistreating a foreign exchange student from Italy. This news has stunned many, highlighting the need to ensure the safety of students. Join us as we unravel the story behind this verdict and its impact.
Former Teacher In Florida Found Guilty Of Drugging, Se*ually Abusing Foreign Exchange Student
The State Attorney’s Office said that an ex-teacher was found guilty last week in Lake County of se*ually abusing a foreign exchange student who was living with him.
SAO said in a statement that the former teacher, Dmitri Kostyunin, 51, used to work at Apopka High School. The release says that in October 2023, FBI agents called officers in Lake County and told them that police in Italy had reported an “incident” that took place at Kostyunin’s home in Mount Dora.
Ex-teacher in Florida found guilty of drugging, sexually abusing foreign exchange student https://t.co/skwlGjfnE1
— News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) March 25, 2024
SAO officials say that an Italian exchange student who was living with Kostyunin told his family back home that Kostyunin had se*ually abused him. This caused his family to call the police.
In an arrest statement, police said Kostyunin gave the boy sweets that were mixed with marijuana and wine while they watched a movie about Elton John and “how he became gay.”
According to the statement, Kostyunin frequently offered to massage the student but the student turned them down. Eventually, Kostyunin did illicit acts on him.
When detectives later talked to Kostyunin, he admitted to giving the boy the drink and drugged candies. The SAO release states, “Kostyunin then stated he blacked out but woke up the next day and knew he made a mistake.”
On October 3, Kostyunin was arrested. After more than five months, he was found guilty of the following:
- Sexual battery upon a child between 12 and 18 years of age by a person in familial or custodial authority
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Delivery of cannabis to a person under 18 years old by a person over 18 years old
Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson said, “Kostyunin’s actions not only broke the trust that was placed in him, but they also put a child in our community in danger. Instead of being able to learn abroad, make lasting friendships, and take in some of the amazing things our country has to offer, those experiences and memories will forever be tarnished because of Kostyunin.”
The SAO reports that Kostyunin will be punished at a later date following the issuance of a presentencing probe. After Kostyunin was first arrested, Lyle Heinz, the principal of Apopka High School, sent the following message to families:
“Apopka High School families: this is Principal Heinz calling with an update to my message from yesterday evening. The employee that I notified you about has been arrested in Lake County as a result of an isolated situation that did not occur on our campus or in Orange County. This individual is on administrative leave and will not return to campus, pending the outcome of both the internal and law enforcement investigations. Thank you for your continued support.”
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