Ex-teacher from Long Island abused young boys during outings, according to authorities.

Former Teacher on Trial for Sexual Abuse Claims

A former schoolteacher from Long Island stands accused of sexually abusing young boys, ages four to eight, by luring them to various outings like ball games and beach trips under the pretense of helping them with dressing. This shocking case has come to light as prosecutors detailed the allegations in court.

Thomas Bernagozzi, who is 78 years old and hails from Babylon, is currently facing trial in Suffolk County for allegedly abusing three children. These boys are part of a larger group of individuals who have reported similar misconduct from their former teacher.

During his opening statements, Assistant District Attorney McDonald Drain emphasized the trust parents place in educators, stating, “A parent’s job is to protect their children. When you send your child to school, you trust the teacher, and that’s how it should be.” Unfortunately, in this case, according to Drain, the reality was quite different.

Bernagozzi is accused of exploiting his position by taking students on outings that later turned sinister. Outside school hours, he would reportedly take boys to parks and beaches, where he would isolate them to “help them change.” However, the prosecutor described a much darker scenario: the boys were allegedly thoroughly washed in public showers, enduring inappropriate actions under the guise of hygiene.

Drain told the jury that Bernagozzi’s actions, which involved using soap and baby powder, were aimed at concealing his true intentions. At least on two occasions, the boys attended New York Mets games with their teacher and their fathers, who began to worry when they noticed their sons frequently sitting on Bernagozzi’s lap.

One young victim, a third-grader, was given a special role in a school play, which is typically reserved for older students. This made him appear even more popular and beloved among his peers, further complicating the situation.

Bernagozzi taught third grade at Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School and Gardiner Manor Elementary School from 1970 until 2000. He continued his career in the Bayshore School District until 2003. Known as an engaging teacher who directed school plays and coached sports, he was widely regarded as a “cool teacher.”

However, the passage of the Child Victims Act in 2019 revealed a darker side. The law enabled victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits that had previously been limited by statutes of limitations. Following its enactment, a total of 45 individuals have come forward with lawsuits against Bernagozzi and the school district.

Despite the accusations, Bernagozzi has only been charged with abuse regarding three specific victims, due to existing statutes of limitations for criminal cases in New York. After his arrest, investigators discovered a substantial collection of 20,000 images and 11,000 negatives at Bernagozzi’s residence, many of which reportedly depict minors in compromising situations.

In January 2024, he was indicted on multiple counts, including possession of a sexual act by a child and sodomy. Meanwhile, Bernagozzi’s attorney, Stephen Politi, has defended his client, stating, “Those are terrible allegations, but they are also false. These crimes never happened.” He maintains that the accusations stem from attempts to target the Bayshore School District.