Former Florida teacher convicted of drugging, sexually abusing foreign exchange student

MOUNT DORA, Fla. (TCD) -- A 51-year-old former high school teacher was found guilty of child sex crimes against an Italian foreign exchange student who had been staying with him.

The Florida State Attorney's Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit announced this week that a jury convicted Dmitri Kostyunin, a former Apopka High School teacher, of engaging in an act that constitutes sexual battery upon a child 12 years of age or older but younger than 18 years of age by a person in familial or custodial authority, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and delivery of cannabis to a person under the age of 18 years by a person over the age of 18. Kostyunin will be sentenced at a later date.

According to a news release from the Mount Dora Police Department, on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2023, officers received a complaint of possible sexual battery against a juvenile at the defendant's residence. The student, an Italian citizen, reported Kostuynin's crimes to family members back home, who alerted law enforcement.

Lake County Sheriff's Office detectives went to Apopka High School to speak with the victim. They were reportedly living with Kostyunin because he had been working as the student's foreign exchange provider since August 2023.

According to the state attorney's office, the student told authorities the defendant provided them with cannabis-infused chocolates and alcohol while they watched a movie one night. An affidavit reviewed by WKMG-TV alleges they watched a film about Elton John and "how he became gay."

That night, Kostyunin kept trying to give the victim a massage, but the victim refused. Kostyunin reportedly later performed sex acts on the student anyway, according to WKMG. Prosecutors said the minor was under the influence of substances at the time.

The defendant later confessed to officials that he provided the juvenile with cannabis-infused candy, as well as wine and beer. Kostyunin reportedly said he "blacked out but woke up the next day and knew he made a mistake."

Police apprehended Kostyunin, and he was booked into the Lake County Jail.

Bill Gladson, the state attorney for the fifth judicial circuit said, "Kostyunin’s actions not only violated the trust placed in him but also endangered the well-being of a child within our community."

He continued, "Instead of being able to learn abroad, make lasting friendships, and take in some of the amazing things our country has to offer, those experiences and memories will forever be tarnished because of Kostyunin."

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