01-05-2025
Florida middle school teacher, coach accused of having sex with student
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Punta Gorda Middle School teacher and coach is accused of having sex with a student on campus and recording the encounter.
According to an arrest affidavit, the victim's mother discovered inappropriate text messages between the girl and 36-year-old Dagoberto Miguel Pena.
'I truly love you': Manatee County teacher accused of sending 5th grader inappropriate letter
In several text messages between the teacher and student, Pena told her, 'U look gorgeous,' and requested pictures of the girl, the affidavit said. Pena also sent 'a pornographic video to the victim,' followed up by a message that read, 'Erase!!'
NBC affiliate WBBH reported that Pena admitted to deleting 400 messages.
Officials said the crimes took place between March 2024 and April 24, 2025. The victim admitted to having sexual intercourse with Pena four times.
Following one intersexual encounter at a 'game,' the victim told authorities she didn't report the incident because Pena told her he could go to jail if anyone found out. The report detailed another encounter on a training table after a workout, and one in an office, both on school grounds.
Vet who killed girlfriend and her 3 children set to be executed in Florida
Pena recorded videos of their encounters and shared them with the girl through texts. The affidavit said he would also give the student expensive sneakers and apparel.
Students reportedly witnessed the inappropriate behavior, including flirting, between Pena and girls at the middle school.
According to WBBH, Pena was an assistant basketball coach at Charlotte High School. He was also a former Dominican national basketball player who played in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
'Obviously shouldn't be coaching,' Tommy Smith, a former basketball coach of 45 years, told WBBH. 'It's just sad that anyone, not just him, would take advantage of a young kid.'
Pena was arrested Tuesday by Punta Gorda police on charges of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors and lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under 16 years old.
The news outlet said the school district has put Pena on paid leave.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
