HERRICKS, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A Long Island schoolteacher has been removed from the classroom after he may have been identified using AI in a YouTuber’s “To Catch a Predator”–style sex sting.
The middle school teacher works for the Herricks Union Free School District in Nassau County, according to school officials, who said they are investigating the “disturbing and upsetting video.”
In the video, the YouTuber poses as a 15-year-old girl on a private social media site. A man in his 40s, who may be the teacher from the district, uses graphic and sexual language and then sends explicit photos.
When the man shares his phone number, the YouTuber drops the ruse and tells him he plans to notify the authorities and tell the man’s family and workplace, according to the video, which also includes a phone conversation and text messages.
The YouTuber said he used AI to comb the internet and identify the man using a selfie he had sent.
The YouTuber didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office did not have any information on an arrest of the man.
In a message to parents, the superintendent of the Herricks School District, Dr. Tony Sinanis, wrote, “It has come to our attention that there is a video currently circulating on various platforms that allegedly features one of our teachers.”
“We understand that the contents of this video are disturbing and upsetting,” Sinanis continued. “In light of this, we are conducting a full investigation into the matter and the teacher has been removed from the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. We remain committed to upholding the values of our district and ensuring the well-being of our students.”