Custodian exposed himself, solicited sex online at Dix Hills school, cops say
A custodian at Otsego Elementary School in Dix Hills was charged with exposing himself online and soliciting sex on social media while on campus. Credit: Newsday/Alessandra Malito
A custodian at a Dix Hills elementary school was arrested and charged Wednesday for allegedly exposing himself and soliciting sex online while on campus, the Suffolk County Police said.
Thomas Winberry, 43, of West Islip, was taken into custody Wednesday after he allegedly livestreamed himself on social media Tuesday evening from Otsego Elementary School.
Police said Winberry posted the video at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday. Special Victims detectives arrested him in the investigation and charged him with public lewdness. He was issued an appearance ticket to appear at a later date at First District Court in Central Islip.
Police are asking anyone with information to call Special Victim’s detectives at 631-852-6531.
The Half Hollow Hills school district said Winberry has been terminated.
In a letter to district families and staff, Superintendent Patrick Harrigan said, "The alleged activity occurred outside of school hours while no students were in the building, and while all evening activities were canceled due to the inclement weather."
Harrigan also said the district is assisting the police in their investigation.
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
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