Suburban high school athletic director arrested for alleged sextortion scheme

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

Thomas Puccini, 28, was arrested in Eastchester, New York on November 1 and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny after he allegedly forced a teenager to make sexually explicit statements to him beginning in November 2021, when the victim was 17 years old To send pictures and videos online until November 2023. Their communication took place via Snapchat and CashApp, a mobile payment app.

“Pressuring and threatening people over content of a sexual nature, also known as 'sextortion', is increasingly targeting our youth and is a crime,” the prosecutor's office said. “Anyone who may have been a victim of this defendant or has information about other possible victims of this defendant should contact the DA’s office at (914) 995-TIPS (8477). My office remains on standby to provide support and assistance to victims and families during our stay.” The investigation continues.

The FBI defines sextortion as “a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material unless you provide them with images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money.”

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

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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 noted, upon learning of Mr. Puccini's arrest on November 1, the Eastchester School District immediately placed him on administrative leave, prohibited him from entering or remaining on district property, and revoked all electronic access.

“At this time, it is important to understand that the district has no allegations that Mr. Puccini’s conduct affected any current or former students of the district.”

However, the New York Post reported that the criminal complaint shows that Puccini allegedly threatened to reveal that a teenager attended Eastchester schools despite living outside the school district if the boy did not send Puccini pictures he requested.

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Thomas Puccini was in his “fifth year of service” with the school district and “was properly vetted prior to his employment,” and “at no time was a complaint made regarding his performance.” (X)

The superintendent noted that Puccini was in his “fifth year of service” with the school district and “was properly vetted prior to his hiring” and “at no time was a complaint made regarding his performance,” Valenti said.

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The Westchester County District Attorney and the Eastchester School District have been urging other possible victims to come forward since Puccini's arrest.