Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Crimes Against Children Unit

Matthew Franklin Pinder
DOB: 03/18/1974
Address: 369 Westwinds Drive, Palm Harbor
Charges: One count of Sexual Battery (Custodial Authority)

The victim was between 14 and 18 years of age when the crime occurred. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Palm Harbor man for sexual battery on a minor.

When:
The incidents occurred on or about  November 1, 2009.

The suspect was arrested at about 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.

Where:
The crime occurred at a private residence in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Palm Harbor man for sexual battery (custodial authority) on a minor.

According to detectives, their investigation began on November 11, 2017, after the now 24-year old victim informed a school official of their past inappropriate sexual contact with a current teacher at Palm Harbor University High School. The school official reported the allegation to the School Resource Deputy and School Officials.

Investigators say, at the time of the inappropriate sexual contact the victim was 16-years old and a student at Calvary Christian High School. The suspect 43- year old Matthew Pinder was employed as a teacher at Calvary Christian High School 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.

Pinder was arrested at about 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at Palm Harbor University High School and charged with one count of Sexual Battery (custodial authority). Prior to being transported to Pinellas County Jail, Pinder resigned from his employment as a teacher with Palm Harbor University High School.                  

Pinder was transported to Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Detectives say there may be more victims and they are requesting the public to 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 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 respective Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack. Pinder is no longer a volunteer with the respective organizations.

Anyone with information regarding other potential victims is asked to contact Detective Meredith Dimundo with the Crimes against Children’s Unit at (727) 582-6200.

The investigation continues.

Photograph attached: