SHERIFF'S OFFICE: Accused child rapist janitor supended with pay from NSB High School

Courtesy photo/Jail mug/VCSO. Charles Gardiner, 35, of New Smyrna Beach, has been suspended with pay from New Smyrna Beach High School, where he has been employed asa a night janitor since October 2007, after his arrest Thursday on charges of unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl two years ago.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The 35-year-old New Smyrna Beach man accused of having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl has been suspended and placed on paid administrative leave from his job as a janitor at New Smyrna Beach High School, even though authorities said Friday he worked the 3-11 night shift and the relationship was off campus.

Charles Gardiner, who has been employed at the school since October 2007, with no job-related incidents in his work file, remained incarcerated at the Volusia County Branch Jail on $10,000 bail, following his arrest Thursday.

Gardiner confessed to Sheriff's investigators of having intercourse with the girl two years ago for about six months, agency spokesman Gary Davidson said. She is now 16.

Even though the relationship was not at school, the victim approached the deputy assigned as a resource officer at the school and a school counselor, Davidson said.