An interim school athletic director and teachers' union president at a high school in New York City's suburbs, Thomas Puccini, 28, has been arrested and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny for allegedly sextorting a teenage boy online. The Westchester County District Attorney's Office revealed that Puccini coerced the victim into sending sexually explicit images and videos via Snapchat and CashApp, starting when the victim was 17 years old from November 2021 to November 2023.
The district attorney's office emphasized that sextortion, the act of pressuring and threatening individuals for sexual content, is a serious crime, especially when directed at youth. They urge anyone who may have been victimized or has information about other potential victims to contact the DA's Office.
The FBI defines sextortion as a crime where someone threatens to distribute private material unless sexual images, favors, or money are provided.
Eastchester School District Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti expressed shock and dismay over Puccini's arrest, assuring that immediate actions were taken by placing him on administrative leave and revoking all electronic access upon learning of the allegations. Valenti clarified that there are no current complaints involving District students in relation to Puccini's conduct.
However, reports suggest that Puccini allegedly threatened to expose a teen's attendance at Eastchester schools despite living outside the district if the boy did not comply with his demands.
Valenti highlighted that Puccini had undergone proper vetting before employment and had no prior complaints regarding his performance during his five years of service with the school district.
The Westchester County district attorney and Eastchester School District are encouraging any additional potential victims to come forward following Puccini's arrest, as investigations continue into the case.
