Eastchester athletic director accused in teen 'sextortion' case

According to the felony complaint, Thomas Puccini, 28, is accused of obtaining sexual images and videos from a teen by threatening to expose confidential information about them.

Jade Nash

Nov 4, 2024, 10:38 PM

Updated 5 hr ago

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The athletic director at Eastchester Union Free School District is accused of using social media apps to extort a teen to send sexually explicit images and videos.
Details about the "sextortion" case were announced on Monday by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.
According to the felony complaint, Thomas Puccini, 28, is accused of obtaining sexual images and videos from a teen by threatening to expose confidential information about them.
Officials from the office said the victim was just 17 years old when the alleged communications on Snapchat and Cash App began back in 2021. They believe these communications lasted for two years.
Puccini was arrested on Friday and charged with grand larceny of the fourth-degree.
He was released on his recognizance and is due back in court on Wednesday.
"It's absolutely disgusting and I think the school board needs to do a better job in their hiring practices because we can't allow people like this to be around our children," said Eastchester resident and Tuckahoe trustee Josh Gaccione.
The District Attorney's Office said it is urging any other possible victims of Puccini to come forward and contact them.
School officials announced that Puccini was placed on administrative leave and is not permitted on district property.