(Credit for Photo: Courtesy of New Horizon School, Beaver County, Posted on Facebook on May 10th, 2024)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler County, PA) A teacher at a school for students with special needs in Beaver County has been charged with multiple child sex offenses. 

Justin Pavetto, who worked at the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit’s New Horizon School, faces nine felony charges, including attempted rape of a child. He was arrested Friday. 

According to a criminal complaint, Pavetto communicated online and by phone with an undercover officer posing as the stepfather of an 11-year-old child. Investigators said Pavetto allegedly expressed interest in sexual activity with the child and discussed meeting in person. 

Police said the two discussed meeting at a McDonald’s along Route 19. Authorities also allege Pavetto took part in a video call during which he attempted to observe sexual activity involving the purported child. 

Pavetto, a resident of Cranberry Towsnhip, is being held in the Butler County Prison on $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on May 29.