Posted: June 04, 2026
On May 28, 2026, former Punta Gorda Middle School teacher Dagoberto Miguel Pena was sentenced to 26 years on Florida state charges. The charges included two counts of Lewd Battery, two counts of Soliciting a Student, and one count of Traveling to Meet a Minor. This sentence is in addition to his 60-year federal sentence. The case was taken by Punta Gorda Police Department detectives in 2025 after a Charlotte County Public School District high school student and their parent came forward to report inappropriate sexual behavior. As the investigation progressed, other students came forward with additional claims.
Chief Pamela Smith extends her gratitude to the Punta Gorda Police Department detectives for their diligent efforts during the investigation and prosecution of Pena’s cases. Their collaboration with federal authorities was crucial in ensuring that this individual can no longer endanger children.
