Former student accuses teacher of sexual misconduct. Cops say there may be more victims

A former teacher, scoutmaster and den leader was arrested Wednesday after officials were told he had inappropriate sexual contact with a 16-year-old student. Investigators believe there could be more victims.

Officials began an investigation into claims against Matthew Pinder, 43, of Palm Harbor, on Nov. 11. A now 24-year-old victim told a school official about past inappropriate sexual contact with Pinder, who is currently a teacher at Palm Harbor University High School, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The school official reported the allegations to the school resource deputy and other school officials.

The victim was 16-years-old and a student at Calvary Christian High School when the alleged incident occurred. Pinder was a teacher at the school and serving as a mentor to the victim at the time, according to investigators.

Pinder admitted to inappropriate sexual activity with the teenager on at least two different occasions, according to the sheriff’s office.

But officials believe there could be more victims. Pinder also told detectives he volunteered in Pinellas County as a scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop and is a den leader for a Cub Scout Pack, according to the sheriff’s office. The troop and pack have been notified of the allegations and the sheriff’s office says Pinder no longer volunteers with the organizations.

Pinder was also previously employed at Indian Rocks Christian School from 2000 to 2002 and Calvary Christian High School from 2002 to 2004. After moving to Kentucky, Pinder returned as a teacher to Calvary Christian High School in 2009 to 2011. He was hired as a teacher at Palm Harbor University High School in 2011.

The investigation is ongoing and the sheriff’s office asked anyone with information in the case or other potential victims to come forward and contact Detective Meredith Dimundo with the Crimes Against Children’s Unit at (727) 582-6200.

Pinder was arrested around 1 p.m. Wednesday at Palm Harbor University High School and taken to the Pinellas County jail. He is charged with one count of sexual battery (custodial authority).

Pinder resigned from his teaching position at Palm Harbor University High School before he was taken to jail.

This story was originally published January 25, 2018 at 8:16 AM with the headline "Former student accuses teacher of sexual misconduct. Cops say there may be more victims."