Lawsuit Alleges Brooklyn Private School’s Negligence in ‘Revenge Porn’ Case Involving Former Teacher
Two teenage girls have filed a federal lawsuit against Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, claiming that Winston Nguyen, a former teacher, coerced them into sharing explicit images when they were just 13 years old and subsequently threatened to expose them.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit underscores serious concerns about the safety and protection of students at elite educational institutions. With allegations of negligence from school leaders amidst repeated warning signs, the case raises questions about accountability and the responsibilities of schools to safeguard their students against predatory behavior.
Key Developments
- The lawsuit names Nguyen, Saint Ann’s School, and several administrators as defendants.
- Nguyen, 39, is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to a felony charge involving child exploitation.
- The girls were allegedly targeted via Snapchat, where Nguyen posed as a peer to solicit explicit photos.
- School leadership reportedly ignored alerts about explicit images circulating among students.
- Saint Ann’s School disputes the allegations and intends to address them through legal channels.
Full Report
Allegations Against Nguyen
The plaintiffs allege that Nguyen, who had access to underage girls through his position, manipulated them into sending nude photographs and videos. Prosecutors state that he utilized Snapchat, pretending to be a teenage boy, to engage in explicit conversations. After the girls severed ties with him, he reportedly shared the images with other students, compounding their trauma.
School’s Role and Response
According to the lawsuit, Saint Ann’s leadership was made aware in early 2024 of complaints regarding the distribution of explicit images among students but failed to report the incidents to authorities. The plaintiffs claim that the school’s refusal to act despite knowing Nguyen’s history enabled his predatory behavior.
After the lawsuit was filed, Saint Ann’s School issued a letter contesting the allegations, stating that several misrepresentations were made regarding their involvement. School officials expressed concern for all victims affected by Nguyen’s actions.
Legal Commentary
Joshua Perry, the attorney representing the girls, accused the school of ignoring evident warning signs regarding Nguyen’s behavior. He asserted that the school’s investigation had revealed critical facts about Nguyen’s inappropriate interactions with students yet failed to hold him accountable.
Nguyen’s defense attorney acknowledged that the former teacher’s prior convictions raised questions about his employment suitability. He emphasized that the school’s administrators should have critically evaluated Nguyen’s background before hiring him in 2020.
Victims’ Statements
While the victims chose not to appear in court during Nguyen’s sentencing, their written statements highlighted the emotional turmoil they experienced due to his actions. One victim stated, “Photos of me as a naked preteen will forever be on the internet,” reflecting the long-lasting impact of the violation on their lives.
Context & Previous Events
Saint Ann’s School has faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of previous sexual misconduct involving multiple staff members. In 2019, the school acknowledged that 19 former staff members had engaged in inappropriate behavior with students. The ongoing concerns about student safety at the institution are exacerbated by the current lawsuit involving Nguyen.
