AVON PARK, Fla. — A teacher at Avon Park Middle School has been arrested by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office for lewd and lascivious behavior involving a 13-year-old female student. Additionally, the teacher faces 55 counts of child pornography charges.
Kevin Dewberry, 44, was arrested Tuesday night and charged with four counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with a victim age 12 to 16. Dewberry is also the Junior Varsity basketball coach at Avon Park Middle School.
"He is well known and those who know him are stunned," said HCSO spokesperson Scott Dressel.
Deputies say the student went to a staff member at the school and reported the incident on Friday.
On Wednesday, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office announced that a forensic investigation of Dewberry’s phone led to more charges being filed. Dewberry has been charged with 55 counts of possession of child pornography.
The School Board of Highlands County says "we are committed to providing a safe learning environment in all Highlands County schools."
Dewberry is currently in the Highlands County Jail. His bond on the initial charges was set at $400,000.
ABC Action News has reached out to the school for comment.
