Politics & Government

Hawthorne Man Arrested Following Chat Room Sex Sting

The following is from the Westchester District Attorney's Office. It does not indicate a conviction.

Update, April 9: The Journal News is reporting Sayers is on paid administrative leave from Haldane High School.

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A 43-year-old Haldane High School social studies teacher has been arrested and charged with Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors, a Class E Felony.

Find out what's happening in Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to a statement from the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, Joseph Sayers, of Hawthorne, "discussed specific sexual acts in which he would like to engage" with an undercover investigator posing as a 15-year-old female.

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore alleges Sayers engaged in conversations with the investigator in online chat rooms between March 15 and today.

Find out what's happening in Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The undercover made it clear to defendant that 'she' was a 15-year-old girl," according to the statement.

Sayers was arrested today and arraigned in White Plains City Court. His bail was set at $20,000 cash or bond. He is due back in court on April 17.


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