DA Seeks Other Possible Sex Abuse Victims Of School Athletic Director

Crime & Safety

DA Seeks Other Possible Sex Abuse Victims Of School Athletic Director The Eastchester Schools administrator has been arrested, and accused of extorting a teen to send sexually explicit videos.

EASTCHESTER, NY — A high-ranking school employee is back on the streets after being accused of tormenting and sexually exploiting at least one student. Prosecutors are urging any other possible victims to come forward.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said today that her office is urging any possible victims of the Eastchester school district athletic director, who was arrested and charged in connection to accusations he extorted a teenager to send sexually explicit images and videos, to contact the DA's Office or police.

"Pressuring and threatening people for content that is sexual in nature, also known as 'sextortion,' is increasingly directed at our youth and is a crime," Rocah said. "Anyone who may have been victimized or may have information about other possible victims of this defendant should contact the DA's Office at (914)995-TIPS (8546). My Office is on standby to offer support and assistance to victims and families while our investigation continues."

According to the felony complaint, 28-year-old Thomas JamesPuccini obtained images and videos of a sexual nature from a teen, starting when the victim was 17 years old, by threatening to expose confidential information about the victim. The communications in question happened between November 2021 and November 2023 on the social media platform Snapchat and CashApp, a mobile payment service.

Puccini, who is employed by the Eastchester Union Free School District as the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, was arrested on Nov. 1 by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and arraigned before Judge Lynette Spaulding on the felony fourth degree grand larceny in White Plains City Court.

"Earlier today, the Superintendent's Office received notification that a District employee was arrested off District premises," Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti said at the time. "Although the District is unable to comment on specific personnel matters, the District's practice in such circumstances is to immediately place an employee on administrative leave pending a District investigation. During such reassignment, the employee is not permitted on District property. As this is both a personnel and legal matter, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time; however, we wish to assure our families that the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority."

Because the charge is not bail eligible in New York, Puccini was released on his own recognizance and is due in Eastchester Town Court on Nov. 6.

The Westchester County District Attorney's Office's Cyber Crimes Bureau and High Technology Crimes Squad conducted the investigation after the victim filed a report with the Eastchester Police Department, who referred the case to the DA's Office.

Anyone who may have been victimized or may have information about other possible victims of the defendant can contact the DA's Office at (914) 995-TIPS (8477) — press no. 6. Language assistance is available.

The case is being prosecuted by Cyber Crimes Bureau Chief Laura Forbes.