Former charter school teacher accused of child rape in Georgia

A former charter school teacher is accused of raping a student in his class, according to police in Georgia.

On Aug. 31, Roswell police officers began an investigation into the sexual assault of a child, reported to have taken place in early 2020 at the Fulton Academy of Science and Technology Charter School in Roswell, Georgia.

The investigation led detectives to charge Robert Vandel, 63, according to Roswell police.

Vandel was employed as a science teacher at the school at the time of the assault, and the victim was a student in his class, according to police.

Vandel was charged with aggravated assault with intent to rape a child under 14, aggravated child molestation, sexual assault by persons in supervisory authority, enticing a child for indecent purposes and false imprisonment of a child less than 14, police say.

Detectives took Vandel into custody this week at the Lyndon Academy in Holly Springs, Georgia, where he was employed at the time of his arrest.

Investigators believe that Vandel may have assaulted additional victims.

Any other victims or persons with information should contact Detective Dickerson at (770) 640-4453 or by email at cdickerson@roswellgov.com.