Former New York Teacher Accused of Molesting 56 Children

A retired Long Island teacher, Thomas Bernagozzi, faces charges for sexually abusing students from two elementary schools in Bay Shore over several decades. The New York State Child Victims Act allows civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse victims, with 45 lawsuits filed against Bernagozzi and the school district. Prosecutors accuse the school district of ignoring the abuse allegations. Bernagozzi was released on $600,000 bail and faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted. His alleged victims range in age from 4 to 8 years old. The Bay Shore School District has distanced itself from Bernagozzi, who was a widely beloved teacher, while a total of 56 victims have come forward with allegations of abuse.