Ex-Bay Shore teacher convicted of sexually abusing multiple children; to serve up to 50 years
The criminal case involved two victims, who were 4 and 8 years old, when the abuse began.
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A former Bay Shore teacher convicted of sexually abusing multiple children was sentenced Wednesday to up to 50 years in prison.
The judge sentenced Thomas Bernagozzi, 77, to a minimum of 33 years and a maximum of 50 years, with the prosecutor calling him “one of the worst, most prolific child predators this county has ever seen.”
Bernagozzi arrived in court in handcuffs as cameras rolled. His sentencing follows a jury conviction earlier this year on charges, including sexual conduct against a child, sodomy and three counts related to possession of a sexual performance involving a child.
“For the first time in his life, he has been identified for who he has been for well over 30 years and that is a pedophile,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Two people delivered victim impact statements before the sentence was handed down, including the mother of one victim, who described the lasting harm her son has endured.
According to prosecutors, Bernagozzi abused children who were as young as 4 and 8 years old. During the trial, jurors heard testimony alleging he took children to a local pool, beach and health club and gave them gifts.
Bernagozzi worked as a teacher at Clarkson Elementary and Gardner Manor Elementary from 1970 to 2000.
Dozens of additional alleged victims have also filed civil lawsuits against him.
Bernagozzi has denied the allegations. His attorney, Steven Politi, said his client maintains his innocence.
“They want him to come in and say, ‘I’m so sorry.’ He didn’t do anything, there’s nothing to be sorry for,” Politi said.
Tierney said the conviction and sentencing brought a measure of accountability for victims.
“To be able to say this is what this person is about, this is who this person is, and to have that adjudicated as such, that means a lot to the victims, and I think they’re satisfied,” Tierney said.
In imposing the sentence, the judge said Bernagozzi showed no remorse and that the evidence against him was overwhelming. She compared his decades-long teaching career to “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” saying it masked years of harm inflicted on young boys.
Bernagozzi’s attorney said he plans to appeal.
