SHARE

Brewster High Instructor From Sherman Charged With Sex Assault Of Student

SHERMAN, Conn. -- A 41-year-old man from Sherman who is an instructor at Brewster High School is facing rape and other criminal charges in connection with his alleged sexual relationship with a female student, Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith said.

Christopher Vlangas, 41

Christopher Vlangas, 41

Photo Credit: Putnam County Sheriff's Office

Christopher L. Vlangas was arrested Monday and charged with engaging in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female student in the towns of Southeast and Patterson, said Capt. William McNamara.

Vlangas faces multiple charges of statutory rape and a charge of criminal sexual act in the case, McNamara said.

At the time the crimes took place, Vlangas was a Naval science instructor in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. (NJROTC) Program at Brewster High. According to social media content posted on the Internet, he is a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer, McNamara said.

Vlangas has been charged with four felonies in the case. He was charged in Southeast with one count of criminal sexual act and one count of third-degree rape. In Patterson, he was charged with two counts of third-degree rape. The rape charges are based on the facts that the defendant is over the age of 21 and the student involved is under 17 years of age, police said. Under the law, a person under 17 years old is deemed incapable of giving lawful consent in such cases.

School officials notified the Sheriff’s Office after receiving information concerning the relationship on Oct. 12 and an investigation started. The defendant did not return to the school campus after the investigation began, McNamara said.

Sheriff’s investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Vlangas, who was arrested by Danbury police officers in that city. 

Vlangas was being held in Connecticut as a fugitive from justice, awaiting his expected extradition to New York, McNamara added.

Investigators obtained judicial search warrants and executed searches of Vlangas’ office at the school, his Connecticut home, and his vehicle. Authorities did not disclose whether any evidence was found.

Sheriff’s investigators Corinne Pitt and Paul Piazza led the criminal investigation, with the assistance of the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut State Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut State Police. The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the Danbury Police Department on the arrest.

A telephone hotline has been established at the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information relevant to the case is asked to call 845-808-4377. Calls will be kept confidential.

to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE