Harlem Teacher Sexually Abused 3 Kids, Prosecutors Say

HARLEM, NY — A former employee at a Harlem middle school has been indicted on sexual abuse charges after being accused of touching at least three students, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Wednesday.

According to Bragg, 48-year-old paraprofessional Saneel Boodram is accused of sexually touching an 11-year-old, a 12-year-old, and a 13-year-old from September 2022 to December 2024.

During this time, he was employed at PS/IS 76 in Harlem as a media specialist, Bragg said.

He touched the 11-year-old multiple times during the two years, and also texted a shirtless photo of himself to the 13-year-old, inviting her to his pool, prosecutors say.

"As alleged, Saneel Boodram used his position at a public middle school to inappropriately touch and engage with at least three children," Bragg said.

Boodram, from Suffolk County on Long Island, was employed at PS 76 from 2000 until 2024, Bragg said.

"Please reach out to our Office at 212-335-4300 if you believe your child may have been abused by this individual – our experienced team has trauma-informed training to handle these investigations with the care and sensitivity they deserve," Bragg said.

Boodram was charged on Wednesday with sexual abuse in the first degree, sexual abuse in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and sexual conduct against a child.

This is a developing story and may be updated. For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.