Ocala high school dean charged with sexual offenses agains students

Ocala Police Department (OPD)

Ocala, Florida - On Friday, May 31, 2024, Detective Drake with the Ocala Police Department arrested 42 year-old Gregory Ramputi on numerous charges related to sexual offenses against students while he was a dean at Vanguard High School in Ocala.

According to an Ocala Police Department (OPD) news release, Mr. Ramputi was in a position of authority over the victims, and his alleged sexual misconducts occurred over several years, both on and off the school campus.

Earlier in May, 2024, a senior student reported to OPD School Resource Officer Blackman that Mr. 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 Mr. Ramputi's office, he requested them to expose their breasts and made statements to them about engaging in sexual activity. Some of the students reported that Mr. Ramputi had groped them, numerous times. It was also reported that Mr. Ramputi engaged in sexual acts with one of the victims. In at least one instance, Mr. Ramputi asked to see nude photos of a student, which he viewed.

Detective Drake investigated these allegations and developed probable cause for Mr. Ramputi's arrest on May 31. He was charged with:
• 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
• one count of possession of child pornography

Mr. Ramputi resigned from his school position on May 21, 2024.

The press relese by the Ocala Police Department made this comment: "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."

On June 1. 2024, Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations for Marion County Public Schools, issued a statement: "Regarding the arrest of Gregory Ramputi, Marion County Public Schools continues cooperating with the Ocala Police Department and its investigation. Ramputi started with MCPS 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. He has no letters of reprimand or discipline during his time with MCPS. Mr. Ramputi no longer works for Marion County Public Schools."