Local

Marion County teacher arrested for lewd and lascivious molestation of student in classroom

A Marion County teacher was arrested after a student said he touched her leg and breast while she was in his classroom.

Deputies said Chester Pacana, 35, was arrested Monday for lewd and lascivious molestation of a student at Dunnellon High School.

Mother, boyfriend charged in death of baby in Brantley County

A 15-year-old told the assistant principal at the school that she went to Pacana's classroom to talk to him on Feb. 8.

She said he began playing with holes in the thigh area of her jeans.

She said she leaned forward to get something out of his desk drawer and he put his hand inside her shirt and touched her breast.

The teen told Pacana that she had to leave and quickly left the room.

Investigators spoke with several students who said they witnessed Pacana's inappropriate behavior toward the 15-year-old.

They said Pacana was particularly close with her and they'd seen him touch her on the shoulder and thigh.

More than 40 Outback, Carrabba's, Bonefish restaurants closing

They also told officials that Pacana bought her lunch once, sang songs to her and made an inappropriate comment to her when she wore a new dress to school.

Pacana denied having any inappropriate sexual contact with the student.

He is being held at the Marion County  Jail.