Retired Bay Shore Teacher Accused Of Sexually Abusing Students

BAY SHORE, NY — A retired teacher is accused of sexually abusing students for decades in the Bay Shore school district, according to Suffolk County police.

Thomas Bernagozzi, a former elementary school teacher, was arrested Thursday.

He is accused of sexually abusing students between the late 1980s and early 2000s who were enrolled at Gardiner Manor Elementary School and Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School. He retired from teaching in 2003.

Special Victims Section detectives began an investigation after two former male students reported being abused.

Bernagozzi, of 17 Strong Ave, Babylon, is charged with first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and first-degree sodomy.

The 75-year-old was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at First District Court in Central Islip, police said.

As the investigation continues, anyone with information on Bernagozzi is asked to call the Special
Victims Section at 631-275-2302.