Mass. high school culinary arts teacher accused of sexually assaulting student
The teacher was placed on administrative leave when school officials were notified of the investigation.
A culinary arts teacher at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School in Danvers is accused of sexually assaulting a student on school grounds.Robert Vandenbulcke, 62, of Salisbury, is facing two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, Danvers police said in a news release. He was arrested by Massachusetts State Police at his home on Wednesday.
Vandenbulcke was released on $5,000 bail that night. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during his arraignment Thursday in Salem District Court, and a judge allowed him to remain free on the bail with conditions, according to an email from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
It’s alleged that Vandenbulcke “pressed the back of his hand to a student’s groin on two separate occasions at the school,” the DA’s office said.
A parent contacted Danvers police on Nov. 12 about an alleged incident, officials said. The case is under investigation by Danvers police and the district attorney’s office.
School Superintendent Heidi Riccio said in a statement that Vandenbulcke was put on administrative leave when school officials were told of the investigation on Nov. 13.
“The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities,” part of the statement said. “Essex Tech is cooperating fully with the Danvers Police Department and the school has launched its own investigation into the matter.”
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