Former Long Island Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Abuse
A former Long Island teacher has been sentenced to up to 50 years in prison for sexually abusing children during outings to the beach and pool. Prosecutors called this sentencing on Wednesday “long-overdue” justice, especially for the survivors involved.
Thomas Bernagozzi, who is 77 years old, received a sentence ranging from 33 1/2 to 50 years. This case originated under a New York law that lets victims of child sexual abuse file civil lawsuits against their alleged attackers.
“Justice has been long overdue for the survivors who bravely came forward to hold their abusers accountable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney in a statement.
He added, “This defendant violated his sacred trust as an educator and caused serious harm to the children in his care.”
Bernagozzi worked as a third-grade teacher in the Bay Shore school system from 1970 until 2000. He reportedly used school theater and sports programs to build trust with his students, taking them on trips to beaches, pools, gyms, and even Broadway shows outside of school, according to prosecutors.
The District Attorney’s Office described numerous disturbing acts committed during these activities. Bernagozzi first faced legal issues a few years back when over 45 individuals filed lawsuits against him and the school district, enabled by the Child Victims Act, which allows victims to pursue civil claims that were previously time-barred.
Despite the civil suits, law enforcement also found grounds for criminal charges against Bernagozzi for sexually abusing two boys under the age of 12. Investigators discovered thousands of photographs of boys in various states of undress at his home during a raid in December 2023.
A jury found him guilty in February of first-degree sexual conduct with a child, first-degree sodomy, and three counts of sexual conduct with a child.
“We thank the survivors who bravely testified at trial, and all the additional survivors whose abuse was never forgotten,” Tierney expressed. “We hope this will bring some closure as they continue to heal.”
Bernagozzi’s attorney has not yet provided a response; previously, lawyer Stephen Politi claimed that his client was wrongfully accused.
