Crime & Safety

Possible Plea Deal for Former Westhampton Beach Gym Teacher

Thomas Sheppard's attorney is negotiating with the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

The attorney for Thomas Sheppard, a four-year Westhampton Beach gym teacher who was charged in March for allegedly recording students in a gym locker room, is negotiating with the Suffolk County District Attorney's office for a plea deal, according to 27east

Earlier this week, the news organization reported that  Peter Brill of the Brill Legal Group in Hauppauge, said on Friday that he is in talks with the district attorney, but if a deal can't be reached, he is ready to go to trial. 

Sheppard faces up to four years in jail if he is convicted. 

Sheppard was indicted by a grand jury in April after his arrest. The indictment carries one felony count of unlawful surveillance in the second degree and 7 misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $25,000 bond.  

His arrest came after several students reported to school officials that Sheppard, 20, of Speonk, placed his cell phone in the Westhampton Beach Middle' School's girl's locker room and recorded them while they were changing. 

The school district contacted the Westhampton Beach Police and an investigation was launched.

Sheppard has been suspended from his four-year position.

To read the full article on 27east, click here (subscription required).


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