A Florida high school teacher has been arrested for allegedly giving a teenage student marijuana-infused chocolate and alcohol before sexually assaulting him, reports Law and Crime.
Dmitri V. Kostyunina, 50, was taken into custody this week and is facing charges for sexual battery on a person older than 12 but less than 18 by a person over 18 and one count of misdemeanor causing delinquency, reports note. The incident was reported to the Mount Dora Police Department after a complaint was filed, accusing Kostyunina of performing sexual acts on a minor at his home.
The victim stated that Kostyunina served him chocolate that
“tasted weird”
and wine while they watched a biographical movie about how Elton John
“became gay.”
The victim said he witnessed a warning label written at the top of the candy’s packaging. After eating the chocolate, the victim told police he
“felt very confused”
and that
“his head was all twisted.”
According to the affidavit, the victim stated that Kostyunina asked if he wanted a massage, but he declined. In response, Kostyunina allegedly gave the victim more of the edibles, causing him to feel
“confused and under the influence.”
The victim claimed to have rejected multiple offers for a massage before Kostyunina ultimately engaged in sexual acts with him.
During an interview with investigators, Kostyunina admitted to providing the victim with
“wine, beer (Blue Moon), and chocolate edibles”,
but claimed to have
“blacked out”
and could not recall all of the events. Kostyunina told police that he did not report the
“mistaken”
sexual encounter because
“he felt scared and embarrassed.”
High School Principal Lyle Heinz wrote a statement to students and parents stating that,
“Their employee will remain on administrative leave and off campus throughout the investigation… While we cannot discuss employee matters, please know that I take any allegation very seriously.”
According to jail records, Kostyunina was taken into custody on Tuesday evening and is currently being held without bond at Lake County Jail. He is set to make a court appearance on October 30th.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
