By Jonann Brady with Anthony Rifilato
John Vodicka, 36, of Syosset, allegedly "inappropriately touched" a 16-year-old former student in an empty classroom on four occasions between October 1999 and May 2000, police said.
Vodicka, who has taught at the high school for nine years and coaches track as well, also allegedly sent pornographic e-mails to the girl's home, according to police.
The student, who was a junior at the time of the alleged incidents, was in one of Vodicka's classes when she was a freshman. The victim came forward with the allegations last October after apparently confiding in a friend, who persuaded her to go to the police.
Vodicka turned himself in to the First Precinct on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 9 and was charged with four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, a misdemeanor, and six felony counts of first-degree dissemination of indecent material to a minor. The police declined to comment further on the charges.
According to Rick Hinshaw, spokesperson for the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, third-degree sexual abuse involves sexual contact without the other person's consent. A person younger than 17 cannot legally give consent in New York State.
Vodicka, who is married with three children, was arraigned on Jan. 9 and released on $5,000 bail. His attorney, Stephen Scaring of Mineola, declined to comment on the charges, other than to say, "We have entered a not guilty plea . . . and we're going to deal with allegations in the courtroom."
When asked how Vodicka was dealing with the charges, Scaring said, "It's a very difficult situation, but he'll get through it."
According to a statement released by the school district, Vodicka "has been placed on administrative leave. The district will be conducting its own investigation."
Colleen Bowler, a spokesperson for Syntax, the district's public relations firm, said that Vodicka is on leave with pay. Bowler added that Vodicka is a "very popular teacher," and students were "very emotional" and "in disbelief" about the allegations.
Though teachers could not comment on Vodicka's reputation, interviews with several students outside the high school confirmed that he was well liked, and several students said they had doubts about the allegations.
"My brother has him," said junior Jenna Castaldi. "He said [Vodicka is] his favorite teacher. He's upset and said it's not true."
Junior Michelle Esposito said, "I don't think he would do that. It's hard to believe it's true."
Other students, who asked not to be named, said talk of the incident had consumed the school. They said those who support Vodicka had made fliers supporting him that had been handed out around the school. "We saw a paper on the floor that said, 'Support the teacher that supports you,'" said a freshman.
Vodicka, who has no prior criminal record, appeared in court on Monday, Jan. 13. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison for each felony count.
