King High Custodian Arrested for Gun on Campus

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Difabio, 58, a custodian at King High School, following the discovery of a firearm on campus. On Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at 11:15 a.m., school administrators notified HCSO's STAR Team after locating the weapon secured in a maintenance closet, per HCSO Press Release 24-167. Investigators determined the firearm belonged to Difabio, who had worked at the school located at 5505 N. 15th St. since January 2023. Difabio resigned from his position at the time of his arrest. He is charged with one count of possession of a firearm on school grounds. King High School, part of Hillsborough County Public Schools, serves students in the greater Tampa area near the I-275 corridor. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with the firearm found secured but in violation of Florida statutes prohibiting weapons on school property. HCSO described the matter as an active investigation, with updates to be provided through its Public Affairs Office. No additional details on the firearm's condition or how it was brought to campus were released in the initial press statement. School officials have not issued further public comments. This case underscores ongoing concerns about school safety in Hillsborough County, where strict no-weapons policies are enforced amid national debates on campus security. Parents and residents near King High School can contact HCSO for inquiry updates via the agency's public line.