A former third-grade New York teacher is accused of sexually abusing more than 50 students over several decades.
ABC 7 reports that Thomas Bernagozzi, 76, appeared at a Suffolk County court in New York Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing at least two former Bayshore students. According to ABC 7, 56 former students in total have accused Bernagozzi of sexually abusing them.
In court, prosecutors argued that the Bay Shore School District knew of the abuse allegations, yet didn’t report it and did nothing to stop it. At least 11 students have come forward following the defendant’s arrest last year, preceded by 45 other former students who had already reported it.
Prosecutors argued that between 1970 and 2000. when the defendant worked at Gardiner Manor Elementary School and Mary Clarkson Elementary School, most of the sexual assaults took place, with the children’s ages ranging from four to eight.
Prosecutors added that Berngozzi took young boys on trips to the beach, to pools, shows, and a private gym, Patch reports. He was later allegedly found with hundreds of photos of children in his possession.
“The sheer magnitude of what this defendant is alleged to have committed is astounding,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said after the defendant’s December arrest.
“This defendant allegedly betrayed the trust of his students, their families, and the community. I urge anyone who has been abused to come forward to law enforcement no matter how long ago that abuse occurred. We will investigate thoroughly and seek to hold those responsible accountable for their conduct.”
Bernagozzi was “revered” by both fellow staff members and numerous parents, the prosecution said. Many of the parents in the district reportedly requested Bernagozzi specifically to teach their children.
The Bay Shore School District issued a statement indicating that it would not provide comment about Wednesday’s arraignment.
“Due to pending and ongoing litigation, the Bay Shore School District declines to comment on the arraignment today of Mr. Bernagozzi. We remain committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our students.”
Bernagozzi was arrested in December, as CrimeOnline reported, and is due back in court in March. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on charges of sodomy and sexual conduct against two students.
Anyone with additional information on the defendant is urged to contact Detective Patrick Boyles of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section at (631) 275-2302.
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[Featured Photo: Thomas Bernagozzi/Suffolk County Police Department]
