By:Nick Buglione
The superintendent is expected to soon decide what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken against the four Clarke High School students arrested for recently beating an East Meadow High School teen and his friend.
Dr. Robert Dillon's inquiry into the incident was expected to conclude late Thursday or early Friday, after press time, according to East Meadow School District Assistant Superintendent Leon Campo. At that time the district would decide if any further punishment is necessary.
"The incident did not take place on school property or under school purview," Campo said. "The district is doing this because it involved students at both of our schools and we're taking it very seriously."
Joseph Barracato, 18, Daniel Dunphy, 17, and Rocco Tenebruso, 17--three captains of the Clarke Rams varsity football team--and Alexander Guy, 16, were arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree assault for allegedly attacking East Meadow High School's William Tuthill, 17, and David Bevilacqua, 18, the evening of Sunday, Jan. 18.
Police said Tuthill and Bevilacqua were waiting for a ride home at the corner of Washington Avenue and Lindy Road, in Salisbury, after attending a party that night.
That's when police said a passing car pulled over and one of the alleged attackers approached Tuthill and Bevilacqua.
Tuthill, who was wearing his East Meadow Jet football jacket, said in a published report that the three others came out of the car and one said "you're in my town now."
Tuthill was hit in the back of the head, sending him sprawling to the ground. The alleged attackers kicked him and beat Bevilacqua too when he tried to come to his friend's aid.
Both Tuthill and Bevilacqua have said in published and broadcast reports that they believe Tuthill's jacket motivated the attack. Police are still investigating.
Meanwhile, Barracato, Dunphy, Tenebruso and Guy were suspended from school the Wednesday following the incident, though they were allowed to return this week to take Regents exams.
The students were issued an appearance ticket and were to be arraigned last Tuesday, after press time. If convicted, the four face up to a year in prison.
Campo said East Meadow School District athletes are required to sign a code of conduct dictating behavior on and off the field.
