PUNTA GORDA, FL — A once-trusted educator and coach is now at the center of a deeply disturbing federal investigation. Dagoberto Pena, a former teacher in Punta Gorda and athletic coach at Charlotte High School, has been federally indicted on multiple charges related to the production and possession of child pornography.

According to officials, Pena faces three serious federal charges:

• Production of Child Pornography
• Receipt of Child Pornography
• Possession of Child Pornography

The indictment comes after an extensive investigation conducted by federal law enforcement, in coordination with local authorities and child protection agencies. According to court documents, evidence emerged indicating that Pena not only received and possessed illegal material, but actively engaged in the production of sexually explicit content involving minors—one of the most serious offenses under federal law.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Charlotte County community, where Pena was previously known as a dedicated educator and coach. His arrest has raised serious questions about the safety and oversight in educational institutions and how someone in a position of trust was able to allegedly commit such heinous acts without earlier detection.

Investigators have not yet publicly released specific details regarding the number of victims or the nature of the evidence seized. However, officials did confirm that the investigation involved digital forensic analysis of electronic devices allegedly belonging to Pena, which reportedly contained explicit material involving minors.

A spokesperson from the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated, “These charges represent some of the gravest violations of trust imaginable. When adults in positions of authority exploit children, our office will ensure that justice is pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”

Parents, students, and staff who knew Pena are expressing a mix of shock, betrayal, and anger. Many recalled him as a visible and involved figure on campus, with direct access to students in both classroom and extracurricular settings. The idea that he may have been using that access to exploit minors has left the community grappling with both grief and outrage.

“I’m heartbroken,” said one Charlotte High School parent. “We entrust our kids to their teachers and coaches every day. The thought that someone would abuse that trust is sickening.”

School district officials have released a brief statement acknowledging the indictment, stating that Dagoberto Pena is no longer employed by the school district, and that the district is cooperating fully with law enforcement. They also emphasized their commitment to student safety and mental health, urging families to reach out to school counselors and support services as needed.

Federal charges of this nature are extremely serious, particularly the Production of Child Pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, and up to 30 years or more, depending on the circumstances. Receipt and possession charges also carry stiff penalties and may result in decades behind bars if convicted.

The case will now proceed through the federal court system, with pretrial hearings expected in the coming weeks. Authorities have encouraged anyone who believes they may have additional information related to the investigation to come forward, stressing that protecting victims and preventing further harm remains a top priority.

As the legal process unfolds, the community is left to reflect on the dangers that can sometimes lurk behind positions of trust, and the importance of vigilance, transparency, and safeguarding children above all else.

This case serves as a somber reminder of the need for rigorous background checks, proactive intervention, and continued dialogue between schools, parents, and law enforcement to ensure that children are protected from those who would do them harm.