A veteran Polk County High School (PCHS) teacher is under investigation and has been suspended from his job.
Dewey Esquinance was suspended without pay, Dr. James Jones, director of Polk County schools, confirmed Friday, April 15.
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross confirmed that an investigation has been started involving Mr. Esquinance and a juvenile, but that details are very limited and will be until the investigation is complete.
Neither would elaborate further citing the ongoing investigation.
According to a sheriff’s office incident report dated April 14, a 17-year-old male student approached PCHS Assistant Principal Mrs. Rachel Lowe with allegations of misconduct against Esquinance. Those allegations included that Esquinance had grabbed the student’s “butt,” and watched a nude video of the student that Esquinance had offered to remove from the student’s email. DCS (Department of Children’s Services) was notified of the incident and an investigation is currently underway.
Esquinance also represents District 2 on the Polk County commission and is running for re-election as the representative from the newly formed District 4.
County Executive Robby Hatcher said the investigation does not affect Esquinance’s ability to serve in his elected commission position unless word otherwise is received from state officials.
In an emailed statement Monday afternoon, Esquinance wrote, “The accusations against me are absolutely false and the investigation will prove it.”
Esquinance teaches CTE Computer Science, Digital Art, Bridge Math and Web Design at PCHS according to the school’s website.