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WESH 2 News reported that a former dean at Vanguard High School in Marion County was arrested and charged with a slew of sexual offenses against students. The accused, 42-year-old Gregory Ramputi, stands accused of inappropriate conduct and criminal acts that allegedly occurred both on and off the school campus, located at 7 NW 28th St, Ocala, FL 34475, for several years.
According to the Ocala Police Department, a senior student at the school first reported that Ramputi had inappropriate contact with her and other students multiple times during her high school years. This initial report subsequently led to four additional student victims coming forward with similar claims.
The reports allege that Ramputi made inappropriate requests and comments, touched students inappropriately, and even engaged in sexual acts with one of the victims. Ocala officials also stated that Ramputi asked to see nude photos of a student, which he is accused of viewing.
Ramputi was arrested on Friday, May 31, 2024, and is now facing a slew of charges, including 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.
Marion County Public Schools officials have confirmed that Ramputi started as a teacher at North Marion Middle School, located at 2085 W Hwy 329, Citra, FL 32113, in 2014 before transferring to Vanguard High School in 2015. He is no longer employed by the district, having resigned from his position on May 21st.
The Ocala Police Department is urging anyone else who may have experienced similar behavior from Ramputi to come forward and report it to law enforcement immediately.
The allegations against the former Marion County high school dean have sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about student safety and the accountability of educational institutions. To better understand the legal landscape and rights available to victims in cases of teacher sexual abuse, we sat down with experienced Florida school sexual abuse lawyer Mike Haggard to discuss the legal rights and options available for those who have been sexually abused by a teacher.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Haggard. Given the troubling allegations against the former Marion County high school dean, what legal recourse do victims have in a situation like this?
Attorney Mike Haggard (MH): Well, Darla, victims of sexual abuse by a teacher or other school authority figure have several important legal rights and options. First and foremost, they have the right to report the abuse to law enforcement, which is critical for ensuring the perpetrator is held criminally accountable.
Victims may also be able to pursue civil claims against the school district and other responsible parties for negligence in failing to protect students from harm. This can involve recovering damages for the trauma, counseling, and other impacts the victims have suffered.
DM: What about the school district's role and responsibilities in a case like this? How can they be held liable?
MH: School districts have a duty to provide a safe environment for students and to screen, train, and supervise their staff properly. When they fail in those duties and a child is sexually abused, the district can be found negligent and ordered to pay damages.
In a case like the one in Marion County, the school district may be liable if they knew or should have known about the teacher's inappropriate behavior and failed to take proper action to protect students. Their legal responsibility extends to actions both on and off campus, if the school was aware of the threat.
DM: What advice would you give to any students or parents who may have been affected by this particular case or similar situations of school sexual abuse?
MH: My main advice would be to not stay silent. It's critical that victims and their families come forward, report the abuse to the authorities, and explore their legal options for holding the perpetrator and the school district accountable. The trauma of sexual abuse can have long-lasting impacts, so seeking justice and compensation is important.
I would also encourage anyone affected to reach out to experienced attorneys who specialize in school sexual abuse cases. We can help guide victims through the legal process, protect their rights, and fight to get them the justice and resources they deserve. No child should ever have to endure this type of violation of trust and abuse of power.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Haggard, for sharing your expertise on this very serious and sensitive topic. Your insights will be valuable for our readers as they process this disturbing news.
MH: Thank you, Darla. I'm glad I could provide some helpful perspective. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions. Addressing school sexual abuse is critical work, and I'm committed to supporting victims and families however I can.
For any students, parents, or families impacted by the disturbing allegations against the former Marion County high school dean, or similar situations of school sexual abuse, we strongly urge you to reach out for help. Speaking up and taking legal action is critical not only for holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable, but also for accessing the resources and support needed to begin the healing process.
Our team of compassionate and experienced sexual abuse attorneys is here to provide a free consultation and guide you through your options. We understand the trauma and sensitivity of these cases, and will work tirelessly to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Don't suffer in silence - contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you on the path forward.
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