Westhampton Beach Gym Teacher Released on $25,000 Bail [Video]

A gym teacher accused hiding a video camera in a girls' locker room at Westhampton Beach Middle School was released on $25,000 cash bail after his arraignment in Westhampton Beach on Wednesday afternoon.

Also at the arraignment, an order of protection was issued barring Thomas Sheppard, of Speonk, from contact with several students associated with the case.

State police held a news conference in Riverside shortly after Sheppard's arraignment, releasing few details related to the single incident in which Sheppard was charged with early Wednesday morning.

Major Patrick Regan of the New York State Police said the 27-year-old teacher, who has no prior arrests, was taken into custody at the school district's administrative building after an investigation that police said revealed that Sheppard made a recording in the girls' locker room with a cell phone.

Regan said he could not disclose how many students were involved in the incident or if police have taken the cell phone into evidence and if the phone still contains the recording.

"I am not going to speak to the nature of the evidence," he said.

Regan did say, however, that some of the students involved have reported that they have been "bullied" on social media by those who believe Sheppard – a four-year employee at the school – is innocent.

"Anyone who makes an attempt to intimidate or harasses anyone perceived to be a witness in this case will be subject to arrest," he said.

The investigation commenced on Feb. 26 after the Westhampton Beach School District contacted Westhampton Beach police after several students stepped forward with teacher misconduct allegations. Westhampton Beach police commenced the investigation, but handed the case over to the state police after Westhampton Beach's lead investigator was involved in a car crash.

The school district, which placed Sheppard on administrative duty after the allegations were made public, has since stated that Sheppard has been suspended and legal restraints prevent the district from making any further comments.

Police said the investigation will continue will and further charges may be forthcoming.

Related Reading:

• Cops: Gym Teacher Hid Camera in Girls Locker Room
• District Releases Statement on Teacher Case
• Westhampton Beach Schools Investigates Teacher Misconduct Allegation
• State Police Take Over Alleged Teacher Misconduct Case

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