A 38-year-old dance instructor accused of having a sexual relationship with her 15-year-old female student is now facing new charges related to the acts.
Lauren Debenedetta, the artistic director and founder of Haven Dance Studio in North Port, was arrested on three Lewd and Lascivious Molestation charges.
Debenedetta was previously arrested in Charlotte County for acts in that jurisdiction. Since then, detectives were looking into what took place at the dance studio and at her home in North Port. The new charges are being filed as a result of interviews with the female juvenile victim. Electronic forensic experts also contributed to the investigation.
Debenedetta was arrested on Tuesday, April 25 in North Port and she is currently in the Sarasota County Jail with no bond.
North Port Police say if you have any additional information about our suspect and other possible victims please contact us at 941-429-7300 reference case #2017-01-0502.
