Community Sounds Off on Gym Teacher Arrest

News that a 27-year-old Westhampton Beach Middle School gym teacher was charged with a felony, after police said an investigation led them to believe he recorded students with a cellphone inside a girls' locker room, has sent shock waves through the community.

Speonk resident Thomas Sheppard, who is a four-year teacher at the school, was taken into custody and charged with unlawful surveillance on Wednesday morning and later released on $25,000 bail with an order of protection issued, baring him from contact with several students associated with the case.

He was also put on leave from his position with the district.

At a press conference held Wednesday afternoon, police said some of the students involved have reported that they have been "bullied" on social media by those who believe Sheppard is innocent.

Community members and parents were left in disbelief.

One middle school parent, Patricia DiBenedetto, said on Wednesday that she has an 8th grader in the school and is "beyond words..." over the situation.

Others echoed her statement, saying things like, "disgusting."

Some expressed thanks to the school district and police for investigating the situation. Wm Powers wrote on Patch, "The school administration behaved appropriately, it would seem. The teacher must not have offered a plausible explanation for what occurred, so further legal proceedings are definitely in order."

Meanwhile, others argued that Sheppard is innocent.

Joe Villareale commented on Patch, "There's more to this story. There's no way I believe Tom had anything to do with this. I'm behind him 100%."

And Jessica Leigh wrote, "This poor guy. He has a wonderful reputation in this community and is a loved local. I do not believe he would ever do something like this."

Related Reading:

• District Releases Statement on Teacher Case
• Cops: Gym Teacher Hid Camera in Girls Locker Room

For more local headlines, click here.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.