The interim school athletic director and teachers' union president at a suburban New York City high school has been accused of sexually coercing a teenage boy online, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.
Thomas Puccini, 28, was arrested on Nov. 1 in Eastchester, New York, and is accused of sexually explicit images and videos of a teenage boy starting in November 2021, when the victim was 17 years old. He was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny for allegedly coercing the person to send the item online. Their communication took place on Snapchat and the mobile payment app CashApp.
“The act of pressuring or threatening people for material that is sexual in nature, also known as 'sextortion,' is increasingly directed at young people and is a crime,” the district attorney's office said in a statement. . “If you are a potential victim or have information about any other possible victims of this defendant, please contact the Prosecutor’s Office at (914) 995-TIPS (8477) My office stands by to provide assistance and assistance to the victim and her family.''The investigation continues.''
The FBI defines sextortion as “a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or confidential personal material to you if you do not provide money.” I am.
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Eastchester School District interim athletic director Thomas Puccini has been charged with allegedly targeting teenage boys in an online sextortion conspiracy. (Google Maps/X)
Eastchester School District Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti wrote that school officials were “shocked and extremely disappointed” to learn of Puccini's arrest.
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Eastchester School District Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti wrote that school officials were “shocked and extremely disappointed” to learn of Thomas Puccini's arrest. (×)
“As previously stated, when the Eastchester School District learned of Mr. Puccini's arrest on November 1st, he was immediately placed on administrative leave, prohibited from entering or remaining on district property, and all electronic access was disabled. did.
“It is important to understand that at this time, the District is not aware of any allegations that Mr. Puccini's conduct involved any current or former students of the District.”
The New York Post reported. However, according to the criminal complaint, Puccini allegedly threatened to reveal that the boy attended Eastchester schools even though he lived outside the district if the boy did not send him the images he requested. has been done.
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Thomas Puccini is in his “fifth year” with the district, was “properly vetted prior to employment,” and “no complaints have ever been filed regarding his performance.” (×)
The superintendent noted that Mr. Puccini is in his “fifth year” with the district and “was properly vetted prior to employment,” adding that “no complaints of any kind regarding his performance have ever been filed. No,” Valenti said.
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The Westchester County District Attorney and Eastchester School District have called on more victims to come forward since Puccini's arrest.
