Westlake High School Teacher, Raymond Szczerba, Arrested for Alleged Sexually Assaulting a Minor

NY Science Teacher Arrested For Allegedly Attempting To Sexually Assault Child

A New York science teacher was arrested for allegedly attempting to sexually assault and entice a minor in Connecticut on Sunday, and has since been barred from the school where he worked.

Teacher Banned From Campus Pending Child Sexual Abuse Investigation

Raymond Szczerba, who taught at Westlake High School in Thornwood, was taken into custody after the alleged incident. Thornwood sits roughly 15 miles from the Connecticut-New York border. His arrest became public on Monday, prompting swift action from the Mount Pleasant Central School District. Szczerba was placed on administrative leave, banned from the school grounds, and prohibited from attending any school-related events for the duration of the probe.

School District's Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse Against Teacher

In the wake of his arrest, Szczerba's profile was removed from Westlake High School's website — though it remained visible on the broader Mount Pleasant Central School District page. Shellshocked students who spoke online described him as a wide-ranging educator who taught subjects from earth science to oceanography. He had also served as co-advisor for the school's science olympiad team.

Praised by the District Just Months Before His Arrest

As recently as February, Szczerba led 18 students to victory at a science olympiad competition — an achievement the district publicly celebrated on social media, commending him and his co-advisor for their dedication and the learning experiences they provided. He had taught at Westlake for at least a decade, according to archived local reports.

The precise location of Szczerba's arrest and the age of the alleged victim have not been publicly disclosed. The investigation remains ongoing.

The factual information above was sourced from nypost.com as of June 4, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

What Victims of Teacher Sexual Abuse Need to Know

When a child is sexually abused by a teacher, the trauma does not end as the abuse stops — and for many survivors, knowing where to turn next can feel paralyzing. School employees occupy a position of profound trust, and when that trust is violated, victims and their families are often left with urgent questions about their rights and their options. New York sexual abuse attorney Thomas Giuffra has spent his career representing survivors of institutional abuse and spoke with us about what victims need to know, from civil liability to the expanded protections New York law now affords those who come forward.

Q - When a teacher is arrested for sexually abusing a minor, what legal options does the victim have?

A - A criminal arrest is just one piece of the picture. The victim also has the right to file a civil lawsuit — entirely separate from any criminal proceedings — against the individual and potentially against the school district itself. A civil case allows the survivor to seek compensation for the harm done, including emotional trauma, therapy costs, and other damages. The outcome of a criminal case does not determine whether a civil claim can move forward.

Q - What legal responsibility does a school have to protect its students from abuse?

A - Schools have a non-negotiable duty to protect the children in their care. That responsibility does not begin and end at the classroom door — it extends to who they hire, how they supervise staff, and how seriously they respond to any concerns raised about an employee's conduct. When a school fails at any point in that chain, it can be held legally accountable. Parents trust schools with their children every single day. That trust carries a legal obligation, and when it is broken, the institution must answer for it.

Q - Can a school district face consequences even if administrators say they had no knowledge of the abuse?

A - Yes, and this is something families often don't realize. Under New York law, a district can be held liable if it knew or should have known about dangerous conduct and failed to act. That standard is significant. It means that a lack of formal complaints is not necessarily a defense. Attorneys can examine hiring records, background check procedures, prior incidents, and supervisory practices to determine whether the district fell short of its duty. Ignorance is not always a shield.

Q - Does a victim need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before filing a civil lawsuit?

A - Not at all. Civil and criminal cases operate on entirely separate tracks. Families do not need to wait for a conviction — or even a trial — before taking civil action. In fact, waiting can work against a victim, as evidence can disappear and statutes of limitations become a factor. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible gives survivors the best chance to protect their rights.

Q - What has New York done to strengthen protections for child victims of sexual abuse?

A - New York has made meaningful progress. The Child Victims Act extended the time survivors have to file civil claims, giving people who were abused as children a much longer window to come forward — even well into adulthood. That was a landmark shift. It recognized that many survivors need years, sometimes decades, to process what happened before they are ready to take legal action. New York now stands as one of the stronger states in the country when it comes to protecting the rights of child abuse survivors.

Your Story Matters — And So Does Your Right to Justice

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused or harassed by a teacher or any other school employee, you do not have to face this alone. Thomas Giuffra and his team are ready to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the accountability you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation — because the first step toward reclaiming your life should never cost you anything.