Mustang, Oklahoma: 60-year-old Raymond Thomas Garner had worked for the Mustang School District for 33 years. On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, that changed.
On January 27, 2023, a Mustang Police Resource Office at the high school notified the department of a rumor concerning an inappropriate relationship between a now former student and Garner.
"This information was relayed to our Criminal Investigations Division for follow up. CID staff spoke with the reported victim where she disclosed that she had been in an unwanted long-time sexual relationship with her former high school science teacher while attending Mustang High School. City staff conducted a formal interview with the victim, who gave great detail related to numerous inappropriate sex acts involving Mr. Garner from 2014 to 2017," Mustang Police Chief Rob Groseclose told KFOR.
The details revealed by the former student revealed to investigators that they were dealing with possible crimes spanning multiple jurisdictions which resulted in the involvement of the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation revealed that not only had Garner been her science teacher, but he had also been her National Honor Society advisor and inappropriate contact had taken place hundreds of times.
Chief Groseclose added that physical evidence had been provided to investigators which served to further link Garner to the alleged crimes.
"It was incredibly brave for this young woman to admit what happened to her while a student in Mustang," Chief Groseclose stated. "Often times, rape is not reported because the victim fears she or he won't be believed. 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."
Mustang Public Schools Superintendent Charles Bradley issued a statement following news of Garner's arrest saying, "We are shocked and saddened and outraged at the allegations levied against one of our longtime employees today."
Garner has been suspended.
"Mr. Garner is charged with multiple counts of first degree rape, lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child, and forcible sodomy," Chief Groseclose announced.
Garner is no longer in custody and his court date is not known. It appears as though he has no previous criminal history within Oklahoma.
In the statement announcing Garner's arrest, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation asked that anyone that may have had inappropriate communications or contact with Garner while he was a teacher contact them at (800) 522-8017 or by email at: tips@osbi.ok.gov.