Thursday, October 1, 2026
On Jan. 27, Long Beach Middle School teacher John Anfossi was arraigned on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child. According to Nassau County detectives, the 54-year-old is accused of touching a female student athlete in a sexually inappropriate manner during a Dec. 2025 wrestling practice. Anfossi pleaded not guilty before being released, with a temporary order of protection put into effect. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 10.
During his 15-plus years at LBMS, Anfossi has served as a physical education teacher; dean of students; girls’ golf coach; boys’ soccer coach; boys’ wrestling assistant coach; advisor to Project Peace, an anti-bullying club; advisor to Pay It Forward, a volunteer and charity-focused group and PAC chair for the Long Beach Classroom Teachers Association.
The case is being investigated by the Nassau County Police Department, not the Long Beach Police Department, because the alleged event occurred at Lido Elementary School in Lido Beach, which falls under NCPD jurisdiction. The class A misdemeanor carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail.
Long Beach Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Gallagher shared a statement to say, "We are aware of the allegations involving this individual and are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials." Gallagher continued, "The individual is a middle school employee and involved in the district’s athletics program. The individual in question has been administratively reassigned while this matter is being investigated. As this is a matter of personnel, the district has no further comment."
Detectives request that anyone who feels they may have been a victim call the Nassau County Police Department's Fourth Squad at (516) 573-6453.
