Suburban high school athletic director charged with sextortion.

A high school in New York City's suburbs has accused the interim school athletic director and teachers' union president of sextorting a teenager online, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.

In November 2023, a 28-year-old man named Thomas Puccini was arrested in Eastchester, New York, for allegedly coercing a teenage boy to send him sexually explicit images and videos online. The communication between the two took place on Snapchat and CashApp, a mobile payment app.

"The district attorney's office stated that sextortion, which involves pressuring and threatening individuals for sexual content, is becoming more prevalent among young people and is a criminal offense. Anyone who has been a victim or has information about other potential victims of this defendant should contact the DA's Office at (914) 995-TIPS (8477). My office is available to provide support and assistance to victims and their families while the investigation continues."

Sextortion is a serious crime where someone threatens to distribute private and sensitive material unless they receive images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money.

The school community was "shocked and extremely disheartened to learn of" Puccini's arrest, as stated by Eastchester School District Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti.

Upon learning of Mr. Puccini's arrest on November 1st, the Eastchester School District promptly placed him on administrative leave, barred him from entering or being present on any District property, and revoked all electronic access.

"Currently, there are no allegations that Mr. Puccini's behavior involved any District students."

According to the New York Post, the criminal complaint accuses Puccini of threatening to reveal that a teenager went to Eastchester schools even though they lived outside the district if the boy did not provide the images Puccini requested.

Valenti stated that the superintendent pointed out that Puccini had been with the school district for five years and underwent thorough vetting before being hired. Furthermore, no complaints have been filed against his performance.

Since Puccini's arrest, the district attorney of Westchester County and the Eastchester School District are encouraging more potential victims to come forward.