Former ‘Dance Moms’ star charged with sexually abusing underage girls in Orange County, investigators say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A former reality star who appeared on the show “Dance Moms” is accused of sexually abusing two underage girls he taught at an Orange County dance studio, according to investigators.

Kevin Cosculluela, 25, was charged a month ago, but was released from jail on bond Tuesday.

Shortly after the investigation began, Cosculluela was let go from the dance studio, Peaches Dance and Music, for inappropriate behavior.

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Cosculluela, who is also a Broadway veteran in addition to being a reality TV star, is charged with two counts of sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old, as well soliciting a minor via a computer and lewd and lascivious behavior.

According to the arrest affidavit, Cosculluela met with the victims while he was a dance instructor at Peahces and Dance Music in Windemere.

One victim told investigators that he “started treating her differently after they started talking to each other” over text. She said that he could be “scary” sometimes if she didn’t do what he wanted.

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The conversations then moved to Snapchat where they became more sexual in nature.

The victim said that, on Dec. 2, the two went back to Cosculluela’s apartment where he allegedly forced her to perform a sex act on him.

On the way back to the studio, Cosculluela told the victim, “None of this happened, erase this from your memory and don’t tell anyone,” the affidavit states.

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A second victim gave a similar account – text messages that moved to Snapchat.

She said at one point, Cosculluela asked her to send him “nudes,” so she sent him two nude photographs of herself on Snapchat on one occasion.

The second victim also told investigators she was at Cosculluela’s apartment in November or December watching a movie. At one point, he pulled her into his bedroom and laid on top of her for two minutes but never touched her or had her touch him inappropriately.

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Peaches Dance and Music released the following statement:

“Peaches Dance and Music Orlando became aware of an inappropriate text message sent by Kevin Cosculluela to a student in late December 2020. The studio’s owner, Leslie Jarvis-Gettis, immediately terminated Mr. Cosculluela’s employment pursuant to the studio’s zero tolerance policy, and reported the matter to the Florida Department of Children and Families and to law enforcement. The ensuing investigation uncovered additional alleged incidents, which occured off property, resulting in Mr. Cosculluela’s arrest. Ms. Jarvis-Gettis has provided, and will continue to provide, her support and assistance to the victims and their families, and to law enforcement.”

Cox Media Group