Among those in the audience is Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, which is not unusual for a high-profile sentencing.

Also in the courtroom are some of the men who filed civil claims against the district, parents of some of those men and past employees of the district.

Bernagozzi was hired by Bay Shore in 1970 and the earliest abuse alleged in the civil cases began soon after, with allegations spanning more than 50 years. The criminal case covered abuse beginning as early as 1989, continuing for more than a decade until his retirement in 2000.

The true cost of college ... Out East: Lettuce visit Deep Roots Farm ... Weather forecast for the week Credit: Newsday

LI voters thinking about affordability ... Enroll today for heating assistance ... Immigration crackdown and LI restaurants ... The true cost of college

Subscribe

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

SUBSCRIBESALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME