A former Bay Shore teacher who is accused of sexually abusing students years ago appeared before a judge Thursday with a new lawyer.

Attorney Steven Politi said his client, Thomas Bernagozzi, “never did any of this,” and told News 12 “this is a money grab.”

He said he plans on going to trial.

Earlier this week, the Bay Shore School Board voted on a settlement worth millions of dollars for five alleged sexual abuse victims but never named Bernagozzi during the vote.