More charges against Locust Valley teacher

A Locust Valley music teacher has been charged with inappropriate contact with 14 students, both boys and girls under age 11, both in classroom settings and during private lessons at the children's homes.

John E. Benstock, 47, of Laurel Place in Bayville, pleaded not guilty to the 31-count indictment Wednesday in Nassau County Court. He had previously been arrested on misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

After that May arrest, additional victims came forward to say Benstock played games with them, and induced them to touch him inappropriately, both through clothing and directly, prosecutors said.

"Parents trusted this defendant to teach their children music, but he abused these innocent kids for his own sick pleasure," said Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice.

Benstock's lawyer, Chad Seigel, of Manhattan, said his client maintains his innocence, and that he has "serious concerns" about the way the investigation was conducted. He said it's essential that trained professionals interview children to make sure they aren't being influenced in the telling of their stories. In this case, he said school officials and parents did many of the interviews themselves.

"What that does is create an environment of hysteria, rife for false accusations," Seigel said, adding that Benstock has received much support since his arrest from people in the school community who believe in his innocence.

Prosecutors said law enforcement used "best practices" throughout their investigation.

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In a statement, Anna Hunderfund, superintendent of Locust Valley schools, said administration and Board of Education officials are "deeply concerned" about the allegations.

"This is a very serious criminal matter and we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities in their investigation," Hunderfund said. "The safety and well-being of our students continues to be our highest priority."

When the allegations first surfaced, school officials reassigned Benstock, who worked at both Locust Valley Intermediate School and Bayville Intermediate School, to stay home with pay and no contact with children or parents. His employment status will not change until the case is resolved, school officials said.

The charges include 15 felony counts of sexual contact against a child, two felony counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 14 misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Benstock, who is due back in court July 15, faces up to 7 years in prison for each felony count if convicted, prosecutors said.