Danvers Teacher Faces Charges Of Sexually Assaulting Student At School

DANVERS (CBS) – A Danvers high school teacher was arrested Wednesday evening for allegedly sexually assaulting a student.

Robert Vandenbulcke, 62, a culinary arts teacher at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School, was arrested at his Salisbury home by Massachusetts State Police.

Police said a parent reported the incident, which allegedly happened at the school.

Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School Superintendent Heidi Riccio said she learned of the investigation Nov. 13 and immediately placed Vandenbulcke on administrative leave. Riccio said the school is also investigating the allegations.

"The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. Essex Tech is cooperating fully with the Danvers Police Department and the school has launched its own investigation into the matter," Riccio said in a prepared statement.

Vandenbulcke's neighbors are eager to find out details of the charges in court.

"He's a family man and I think they've been in the home a long, long time," a neighbor said. "Well known in the neighborhood. Decent people, I'd be very surprised to hear this but that's usually the case right?"

Vandenbulcke will appear in Salem District Court on Thursday. He faces charges of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.

Police are not releasing any additional information.