A former dean at Vanguard High School has been accused by multiple students of making sexual advances towards them, including asking some females to expose their breasts and groping others.
On Friday, May 31, the Ocala Police Department arrested 42-year-old Gregory Ramputi, who resigned from his position at Vanguard High School the previous week.
According to OPD, a 12th grade student spoke with a school resource officer earlier in May and reported that Ramputi had “inappropriate contact” with several students, including her, multiple times during her high school years.
OPD stated that four other students also came forward and made similar allegations against Ramputi. According to police, Ramputi allegedly asked those students to “expose their breasts” while in his office, and one of the student victims claimed that he “made statements about engaging in sexual activity.”
Some of the student victims also alleged that Ramputi had groped them multiple times, and one of the victims further stated that Ramputi had “engaged in sexual acts” with her. In addition, law enforcement learned during an investigation that Ramputi had asked to see nude photos of a student, which he allegedly viewed, on at least one occasion.
According to OPD, Ramputi’s alleged sexual misconduct involving students occurred on and off school campus over a several-year period.
Ramputi is facing the following charges: five counts of offenses against students by an 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; and one count of possession of child pornography.
In a media release, Marion County Public Schools stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement and the investigation.
According to MCPS, Ramputi started with the school district in 2014 as a teacher at North Marion Middle School. He transferred to Vanguard High School the following year, and he became a student services manager there in 2021.
During Ramputi’s time with MCPS, which ended on May 21, 2024, he had no letters of reprimand or discipline.
The Ocala Police Department issued the following statement after Ramputi’s arrest:
“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. 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. We ask if anyone else has experienced similar behavior from Mr. Ramputi, please let law enforcement know immediately.”