Headmaster of Polk private school accused of molesting student

AUBURNDALE, Fla. (FOX 13) - The headmaster of a small, private Christian school in Auburndale, Florida has been arrested for molesting a student, and investigators believe there may be more victims.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of Kingdom Preparatory School Headmaster Charles Aguon, II, known to students as Pastor Tiger.

Aguon, 34, is accused of lewd molestation of a 15-year-old male student, with Judd noting Aguon "groomed" his victim with behavior that became increasingly sexual in nature.

According to the sheriff's office, Aguon was also a 7th and 8th-grade teacher, football coach, and ordained minister at the school.

"I'm very frustrated because the leader, old Pastor Tiger here, certainly didn't display the conduct we expect of a teacher, coach minister and headmaster of a private school," Judd said in a press conference.

Judd said Aguon admitted to detectives that some of his actions may have been "inappropriate."

"Here Einstein, let me give you a newsflash: not only was it inappropriate, it was criminally illegal," Judd said.

Aguon has been charged with two counts of lewd molestation of a victim between 12 and 16 years old. He is being held with no bond.

"Make no mistake, Pastor Tiger is caged up in the county jail right now," Judd said. "He might have roared at one time but he's meowing today."

Judd said anyone who believes they may be a victim should contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

"While Pastor Tiger [Aguon] was a role model, he was grooming this boy and touching him in an inappropriate manner," Judd said in a statement. "We are significantly concerned and curious to know if there are any other victims. We want the parents and grandparents to speak with their children, ask them questions." 

Parents and students who spoke to FOX 13 Wednesday said when the news of Aguon’s spread, the atmosphere was chaotic as students, both girls and boys, broke into tears.

“This man is wonderful,” concerned mom Rachel Robinson told FOX 13. “He has stood behind every one of the kids in this school.”

Robinson says she can’t believe that he is guilty of the accusations. Neither can her 19-year-old son, Malachi.

“Why would [Pastor Tiger] put his hands on someone?” he asked.

He said he would frequently go to Aguon’s house to relax.

“I am over there almost every weekend,” Malachi said. “Me and just him, and he never put his hands on me.”

Investigators say the alleged incidents took place off campus. They haven't said if they know of other victims. However, they are asking students at the school and their parents to call The Polk County Sheriff’s Office if they have any information that can help the investigation.