A 44-year-old teacher at Staten Island Academy has been arrested for allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to a student at the private school in Dongan Hills. Michael Shanley III was taken into custody after officers executed a search warrant at his home on Chester Avenue in Prince’s Bay on Wednesday evening.

Details of the Allegations

According to sources, Shanley is accused of using WhatsApp, an encrypted messaging application, to send thousands of messages to a student under the age of 17 between February 1 and February 9. Multiple sources indicate that the alleged victim is an 11-year-old student.

The investigation began when the student’s mother discovered the text messages, leading her to contact authorities. The criminal complaint includes a series of messages that Shanley allegedly sent to the student, containing inappropriate and suggestive language.

School’s Response and Community Impact

Dr. Eileen Corigliano, head of Staten Island Academy, stated that Shanley is no longer employed at the school. She emphasized that the school has communicated with the community regarding the incident to ensure transparency and address concerns.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Staten Island Academy community and the broader Staten Island Academy area. Parents and students are grappling with the news, and the school is likely implementing measures to support those affected and prevent future incidents.

Legal Proceedings

Shanley has been charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in Criminal Court in St. George on April 7.

His defense attorney, Jonathan Goldin, urged the public to respect the presumption of innocence, stating, “He’s entitled to the presumption of innocence, and we will see how the investigation unfolds.”

Legal Context and Preventative Measures

In New York, the charge of endangering the welfare of a child is taken seriously. According to New York Penal Law § 235.21, disseminating indecent material to minors is a criminal offense that can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Convictions can also lead to mandatory registration as a sex offender, which carries long-term consequences.

This incident highlights the importance of monitoring digital communications between educators and students. Schools are encouraged to establish clear policies regarding appropriate communication channels and to provide training for staff on maintaining professional boundaries. Parents are also advised to monitor their children’s online interactions and educate them about reporting any uncomfortable or inappropriate exchanges.

What Happens Next?

As the legal process continues, the community awaits further developments. If convicted, Shanley could face serious legal consequences, including potential jail time and loss of his teaching career.

Authorities have not disclosed if additional victims may be involved, but the case remains under active investigation. Law enforcement officials encourage anyone with further information to come forward.

Stay Updated

For ongoing updates on this case, residents can follow local news reports and updates from the Staten Island Academy District Attorney’s Office. Officials encourage anyone with additional information regarding the case to assist in the investigation (Island Academy).