Accused rapist wins motion to suppress evidence in case involving Springfield students

SPRINGFIELD — A former middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting two of his students scored a win Thursday, after a judge allowed a motion to suppress much of the evidence in the case.

Robert Gayle, a former teacher at STEM Middle Academy on Alton Street in Springfield, stands accused of raping two students, one of whom said he repeatedly assaulted her in a closet.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Tracy Duncan allowed a motion to suppress evidence recovered from Gayle’s home and electronic devices. Duncan found that there was not probable cause for one search, and that negated subsequent ones.

“The court finds and rules the first search warrant was not supported by the requisite cause, and therefore, the evidence seized under that warrant must be suppressed,” Duncan’s ruling reads.

Based on that, Duncan ruled that subsequent searches were rendered moot.

Gayle, who was 60 at the time he was arrested in 2023, is a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime teacher. He was first accused of sexually assaulting one student. Another girl came forward and leveled similar accusations of assault.

In May of 2023, one alleged victim came home with a “hickey” on her neck. The child’s mother immediately contacted administrators at the school, according to court records. The child reported Gayle had pulled her into a closet in his classroom and kissed her.

“Mr. Gayle grabbed her sweater pocket, pulled her in and started kissing the left side of her neck,” court records say.

The alleged victim initially denied that Gayle was kissed her, but later disclosed that he did.

“She lied to cover up for him but was caught,” Duncan ruled.

The Hampden District Attorney’s office has 30 days to appeal the decision.

“My client is very happy with the judge’s decision and we look forward to continuing this fight in court,” defense attorney Daniel D. Kelly said.

Gayle was released on bail shortly after his arrest.