Long Island Teacher Arrested and Charged with 27 Counts of Rape

Workplace Sexual Harassment Legislation

A female student has accused a Long Island prep school teacher of sexually abusing her for nearly four years. Daniel McMenamin, 33, was allegedly sexually involved with the student starting in November 2014 until July 2017 while he was a teacher at the private Lawrence Woodmere Academy.  The teen was only 14 years old when the abuse started and continued for three years. McMenamin was charged three counts of second-degree rape, 24 counts of third-degree rape, 24 counts of third-degree criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child.

The school no long employs McMenamin, but the circumstances of his departure are unclear. His attorney claims he left of his own accord in 2016 and was not fired. What is surprising to us, is that he continued to work in his profession as a leave replacement teacher in a local public school district.

Sexual Assault Charges Must Be Taken Seriously

Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law. In fact many students are in disbelief that he could do this, but it’s important to take the charges seriously. McMenamin will have his day in court, but equally important is to allow the victim to speak without fear of being pre-judged.

Sexual violence permeates our culture. From tv shows with explicit rape scenes to sexist dress codes that reinforce rape culture. From daily stories of sexual assaults on college campuses and high schools to a former Olympic doctor accused of sexually abusing more than 100 women. Who could forget Bill Cosby being found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman nearly 14 years ago.

All of these examples create a culture that reinforces the normalization of sexual violence, but there is nothing normal about it to the victim.  At Goldstein and Bashner we have represented those who were afraid to come forward, but ultimately did.  We are here for the victims of sexual assault. We will listen to your unique individual situation and give you solid advise.  If you become our client we will do our best and work diligently to help you heal and obtain justice and compensation. Call 516-222-4000 for a completely confidential consultation.

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