Mustang teacher arrested, accused of raping student

Authorities arrested a longtime Mustang Public Schools teacher Wednesday who is accused of sex crimes against a former student.

Mustang police officers arrested Raymond Thomas Garner, 60, without incident at his residence.

Authorities said Garner is accused of first-degree rape, forcible sodomy and lewd or indecent proposal or acts to a child.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation assisted police with the investigation.

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On Jan. 27, a Mustang resource officer notified police of rumors that a former student had an inappropriate relationship with a Mustang High School teacher.

Authorities said the investigation revealed that a female student had sexual contact “hundreds of times” with Garner, who was her science teacher and National Honor Society advisor.

The sexual contact occurred from 2014 to 2017 at Mustang High School and at Garner’s home in Oklahoma City, authorities said.

Garner was suspended by Mustang Public Schools. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Mustang city jail.

In a statement, Superintendent Charles Bradley said the school community is shocked, saddened and outraged.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with our law enforcement partners during their investigation and will work quickly on our internal investigation as well, Bradley said. “We will have counselors available at Mustang High School for any staff or students who may need to speak to someone and we will support our Bronco Family as we unpack this situation together.”

Mustang Police Chief Rob Groseclose said in a statement the alleged victim in the case was brave to come forward.

“Oftentimes, rape is not reported because the victim fears she or he won’t be believed,” Groseclose said. “When a teacher who has influence over a student’s future is violating her in a sexual manner, it can be even more difficult to come forward. Because of her courage, an alleged sexual predator is in custody and can’t harm anyone else. I would like to thank the OSBI for their continued assistance, as well as Mustang Public schools for their transparency and unwavering partnership.”

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Mustang Public Schools teacher arrested, accused of raping student