Former school official accused of sexual offenses

[Ocala Gazette file photo/Bruce Ackerman]

A Vanguard High School dean who reportedly retired earlier this month was arrested Friday, May 31, and charged with alleged sexual offenses against students stretching over several years, according to an Ocala Police Department press release.

Gregory Ramputi, 42, was arrested and in custody Friday night according to OPD Public Information Officer Jeffrey Walczak.

According to the OPD press release, a senior student came forward earlier this month and reported to OPD School Resource Officer Alexandria Blackman that Ramputi had “inappropriate contact” with her “multiple times” during her high school years.

Four additional students came forward and made similar reports alleging that “while in Mr. Ramputi’s office, he requested them to expose their breasts and made statements about engaging in sexual activity,” the press release stated.

The alleged offenses took place while Ramputi was “in a position of authority over the victims” and occurred on and off school grounds, the press release indicated.

Ramputi allegedly “groped (students) multiple times and engaged in sexual acts with one of the victims,” according to the press release.

Ramputi allegedly asked to see “nude photos of a student, which he viewed,” on at least one occasion, press release stated.

Director of Marion County Public Schools Public Relations Kevin Christian released a statement Friday night stating the school system is “cooperating with the Ocala Police Department and its investigation,” of Ramputi.

“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,” the statement read.

The press release stated Ramputi “retired his position May 21.”

The press release stated OPD Detective Denise Drake investigated the allegations and developed probable cause to arrest Ramputi on Friday.

The press release listed these charges against Ramputi:

• 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

Ramputi was set to make his first court appearance on Saturday, June 1.