Former Bay Shore teacher Thomas Bernagozzi found guilty of 5 out of 7 counts in child sex abuse case
During the trial in Suffolk, jurors heard testimony that Bernagozzi allegedly took children to a local pool, the beach, a health club and "showered them with gifts."
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Jurors found Thomas Bernagozzi, a former Bay Shore teacher, guilty of five out of seven counts in his child sex abuse case.
Bernagozzi was found guilty of course of sexual conduct against a child, sodomy and three counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child. He was found not guilty of the two other counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child.
“I hereby certify you as a sex offender," the judge said to Bernagozzi following the verdict.
During the trial in Suffolk, jurors heard testimony that alleged Bernagozzi took children to a local pool, the beach, a health club and "showered them with gifts." Prosecutors said the children were 4 and 8 years old when the abuse started.
Bernagozzi's attorney, Steven Politi, said that his client denies the charges. He said this case boils down to money, pointing out that the alleged victims went to a civil attorney before going to the police.
Bernagozzi worked at Clarkson Elementary and Gardner Manor Elementary from 1970 to 2000.
