A former Riverhead High School student who says she was sexually assaulted by the school's principal, Dr. Charles Regan, has officially filed a lawsuit in federal court against him and the Riverhead School District.

Attorney John Ray says Regan sent his client, 18-year-old Anastasia Stapon, thousands of text messages in April.

Ray says the messages include pictures of Regan barely clothed, and that early in their conversations, Stapon viewed Regan as a father figure and confidant as he offered messages of inspiration as she struggled with depression and substance abuse.

He says one day, Regan sent Stapon a near naked image of himself and texts, "Make sure you delete that later."

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The attorney says it was an attempt by Regan to groom Stapon for an eventual sexual encounter, and that the messages got more lewd and inappropriate. He says the messages showed viewing pornography was discussed and, eventually, sexual wants and wishes.

Ray says in late April, Regan sexually assaulted Stapon in his office at the high school.

Current and past administrators and school board members are also being sued by Stapon.

Ray says after filing a notice of claim in May, the district announced Regan was reassigned. The district declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.

News 12 reached out to the Riverhead Police Department to ask why Regan is not facing criminal charges.