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Athletic director at suburban high school arrested in alleged sextortion scheme

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The interim school athletic director and teachers' union president at a high school in New York City's suburbs has been accused of sextorting a teenager online, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office. 

"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," the district attorney's office 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 (8477). My Office is on standby to offer support and assistance to victims and families while our investigation continues."

Thomas Puccini, Eastchester School District's interim athletic director, has been accused of targeting a teen boy in a sextortion plot online. (Google Maps/ X)

Eastchester School District Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti wrote that the school community was "shocked and extremely disheartened to learn of" Puccini's arrest.

Eastchester School District Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti wrote that the school community was "shocked and extremely disheartened to learn of" Thomas Puccini's arrest. (X)

"As previously stated, when the Eastchester School District learned of Mr. Puccini’s arrest on November 1st, the District immediately placed him on administrative leave, prohibited him from entering into or being present on any District property, and revoked all electronic access.

"At this time, it is important to understand that the District is not in possession of any allegations that Mr. Puccini’s conduct involved any current or former District students."

Thomas Puccini was in his "fifth year of service" with the school district and "was properly vetted before he was hired," and "at no time has any complaint been lodged regarding his performance." (X)

The superintendent noted that Puccini was in his "fifth year of service" with the school district and "was properly vetted before he was hired," and "at no time has any complaint been lodged regarding his performance," Valenti said.