A former Long Island teacher was arrested in New Jersey after posing as a minor online to chat sexually and try to solicit naked pictures of two kids under the age of 13, officials say.
Ryan J. McCaffery, a 37-year-old Ridge resident and once high school educator, was arrested on second-degree sexual assault, third-degree child endangerment, and fourth-degree lewdness charges after police searched his home last January.
Under the screenname Asherkonlon2, McCaffery separately “requested nude photos and engaged in sexual acts while video chatting with the victims,” according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, who noted the accused pretended to be under 18.
McCaffery taught social studies at Riverhead High School until resigning for personal reasons shortly after the search on Feb. 5, Riverhead Local reported.
He was also the head coach of the junior varsity boy’s soccer team and taught in an evening program, according to the outlet.
The Suffolk County man, who prosecutors say first engaged with one of the victims in 2022, turned himself in to New Jersey authorities last Friday.
In a letter to parents, Riverhead interim superintendent Cheryl Pedisich called McCaffery’s accused actions “deplorable,” according to Riverhead Local.
“It is the District’s understanding, based on conversations with law enforcement, that none of these charges are related to Mr. McCaffrey’s prior work as a teacher in the Riverhead School District or any interactions Mr. McCaffrey may have had with any student in his classes or any other child enrolled in the Riverhead School District,” she wrote.
