The fate of Thomas Bernagozzi is in the hands of a jury. Bernagozzi, a longtime third-grade teacher in the Bay Shore School District, is accused of sexual abuse.

During the trial in Suffolk, jurors heard testimony that Bernagozzi allegedly took children -- prosecutors said they were 4 and 8 years old when the abuse started -- to a local pool, the beach, a health club and "showered them with gifts."

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.