Former Central New York teacher accused of raping victim nearly two decades ago

Homer, NY – A now-retired high school teacher has been accused of raping someone he knew nearly two decades ago, according to deputies.

According to a news release from the Cortland County Sheriff's Office, Paul P. Andre, 56, was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

In September, officials said they received a report that Andre sexually abused a victim at unknown locations in the village of Homer and the town of Solon between September 2006 and June 2008. They said there was a victim.

Deputies did not say how Andre knew the victim, whether the victim was male or female or how old the victim was. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard has asked for more information.

According to the district, Andre was a teacher at Homer Central High School.

The Homer Central School District said in a letter to parents that it had no information that any inappropriate behavior occurred by any student.

Thomas Turc, the district's superintendent, said the district “immediately” placed Andre on leave and reported the information to the state Department of Education.

Andre is no longer employed by the district, he said. The school board approved his resignation at its Sept. 24 meeting, he said.

Turc said advisers were available for a meeting with students

“We know it can be quite disturbing to learn that one of our teachers has been charged with such a crime,” Turc said. “Our primary focus continues to be ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.”

Andre turned himself in to the Cortland County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday.

Andre is being held at the Cortland County Correctional Facility.

Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard has contacted the Cortland County Sheriff's Office and the Homer Central School District for more information.