OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Police Department (OPD) has arrested the dean of Vanguard High School and charged him with multiple sex-related crimes against students.
On Friday, May 31, police arrested 42-year-old Gregory Ramputi on suspicion he committed multiple sexual offenses against students while he was a dean at Vanguard High School.
A 10-page arrest report indicates the alleged incidents involved five students over the course of nearly two years from October 2022 to February 2024 and took place on and off school campus.
Police say earlier this month, a senior student reported to the School Resource Officer that Ramputi had inappropriate contact with her—and other students—multiple times during her high school years.
Four other student victims came forward and made similar reports that while in Ramputi’s office, he requested them to expose their breasts and made statements about engaging in sexual activity. According to police, some of the students stated that Ramputi groped them multiple times and engaged in sexual acts with one of the victims.
In one instance, police say Ramputi asked to see and viewed nude photos of a student.
Police charged Ramputi with:
• five counts of offenses against students by authority figure
• five counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors
• three counts of traveling to meet a minor
• two counts of indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of certain minors
• one count of possession of child pornography
Police say Ramputi resigned from his school position on May 21.
A spokesperson for Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) confirmed he no longer works for them and said the district is cooperating with the police investigation.
MCPS says Ramputi started with the system in 2014 as a teacher at North Marion Middle School. He transferred to Vanguard High School in 2015 and became a student services manager there in 2021.
The district says Ramputi has no letters of reprimand or discipline during his time with MCPS.
“This is an alarming reminder that even some people in positions of power and trust can be corruptible, and it serves as a strong motivator to remain vigilant and ensure that those with such authority are held accountable for their actions,” said OPD in a written statement. “Making sure students are kept safe is our top priority and we have zero tolerance for this gross misconduct. We commend the students who had the courage to come forward to report this behavior.”
Police urge anyone who has experienced similar behavior or interactions to contact them immediately.