Chappaqua Sex Scandal: Ex-Teacher to Take New Plea Deal

CHAPPAQUA, NY — The former drama teacher whose arrest for inappropriate contact with students has roiled this wealthy suburban community has accepted a new plea bargain, according to the Daily Voice.

Though details about the deal are not yet public, they include adding Schraufnagel to the state's sex offender registry, Tom Auchterlonie reported. The deal could be accepted at his next court date Nov. 10.

Read the entire article on the Chappaqua Daily Voice.

In related news, School Superintendent Lyn McKay resigned Monday, the latest wrinkle since the district's high school sex abuse scandal morphed into a raging controversy over leadership.

Among the accusations against the former teacher are that he engaged students in games with sexual overtones, inappropriate touching and alcohol and drug use. Among the accusations against the district are that officials had been told.

Schraufnagel was placed on paid leave in June 2015 during an investigation into his interaction with students. He resigned at the beginning of the school year, in September. He had taught speech and theater for 12 years at Horace Greeley High School.

Although the prosecutor, defense, cops and families had accepted the first plea deal, New Castle Town Justice Douglas Kraus rejected it because it didn't include the sex offender registration.

He had originally been charged by police with one count of third-degree criminal sex act, a felony; plus two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, all misdemeanors.

Schraufnagel and the district still face lawsuits brought by seven students and their families.

SEE:

• Chappaqua School District Attorneys Say Students to Blame for Abuse By Ex-Drama Teacher
• Chappaqua Schools Chief Resigns Amidst Sex Abuse Scandal in District
  
• Judge Rejects Ex-Chappaqua Teacher's Plea Deal
  
• New Suit Says Chappaqua Officials Knew of Problem