Queens DA Says Teacher Preyed Upon Students

A former math teacher at MS 190 in Forest Hills was arrested for child endangerment after allegedly sending former and present male students lewd instant messages. Bradley Dieffenbacher, 33, of Long Island, had worked at MS 190 since 2000 until his resignation on February 14, when investigators confronted him.

According to the Queens DA's office, between April 1, 2007 and February 20, 2008, Dieffenbacher instant messaged eight boys, ages 12-13, who were either current or former students, asking them "if they masturbated, if they liked pornography, if they had a web cam and if they – Dieffenbacher and the student – could masturbate together and broadcast themselves masturbating over the web cameras."

Dieffenbacher allegedly watched one of the student masturbate over a webcam and also sent some links to porn sites. Queens DA Richard Brown said, "The charges are very disturbing. A teacher is accused of preying on the young students he is entrusted to teach. A classroom should always be a safe place for a child."

Dieffenbacher is being held on $150,000 bail and faces up to 15 years in prison. A MS 190 colleague told the Daily News, "He was a really good teacher and there was no hint whatsoever. It's terrible."

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By Jen Chung in News on February 26, 2008 8:57 AM

Comments [rss]

Sad_Ex_Friend

To the kids out there saying it's false and that he was joking, those people are idiots. I blame the parents for raising such stupid kids.

obviously a kid had the smarts to come forth and tell someone. and haven't you heard that Yahoo Messenger archives conversations?

I've known him for twenty years since high school. It's incredibly sad and shocking that someone I considered a friend would do something like this.

This morning when I heard the news, I Was utterly filled with grief and shock but now I am filled with disgust and anger.

I always knew he was a little weird but to do something like this?! Even his myspace page was a little weird

I hope he gets the help he obviously needs but in a mental institution for many years because if he goes to jail, he won't live.

Brad you asshole. How could you do this? You were a good guy. What happened to you? :(

god... his picture. he didnt look like that in 2005. i guess the stress of starting this shit in april 2007 just ate him up. he never EVER looked this bad. he was thin, head of full, didnt look sleazy.

jesus... this fucking sucks.

Dave Hogarty

They made him resign on Valentine's Day? So he didn't even get to see the kids' faces when they received their in-class Valentines signed "Your Secret Admirer, the Bad Comb Over Romeo."

jibbly

Paper Boy is correct, that is one creepy picture.

JenChungsBaby

I knew a chick in high school who was sleeping with an english teacher. I also knew a teacher who did coke with some friends of mine, at his apartment after driving them all to go buy it. This guy is an amateur when it comes to bad teachers.