A New York-based educator has been apprehended following allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with minors, according to Fox News.
Kostas Fekkas, 34, was arrested on September 14 while serving as a teacher at a Manhattan charter school. His teaching career also spans several other institutions in the Bronx and Westchester County, New York.
The arrest followed a three-month-long covert operation by the FBI, during which Fekkas allegedly disclosed to an undercover agent, posing as a 13-year-old girl, his preference for underage girls. He reportedly confessed to having had sexual relations "with a 10th grader once."
Investigators reportedly discovered explicit sexual messages and child pornography involving a 12-year-old girl, concealed within an application designed to mimic a calculator. The application, HideU, enables users to hide files on their mobile devices under the guise of a functioning calculator.
The undercover agent, using the pseudonym "Riley," initiated contact with Fekkas, stating, "I'm in 8th (grade)." Fekkas allegedly responded, "I usually cut off at 9th grade but you're insanely gorgeous."
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, condemned Fekkas' alleged actions, stating, "Kostas Fekka's alleged conduct is despicable." Williams added that Fekkas "was entrusted with the care and well-being of children, who he in turn allegedly sought to victimize."
Fekkas reportedly introduced himself on the messaging app Kik as "C.J. Justice," a 30-year-old high school physics teacher. The account was linked to the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Images of Fekkas sent to "Riley" reportedly matched those found on a Manhattan high school's website. These images, along with the alleged message exchanges between Fekkas and "Riley," were included in the criminal complaint.
Fekkas is alleged to have pressured the supposed 13-year-old to send explicit images. In response, the FBI agent sent an image of a girl's face, to which Fekkas allegedly replied, "Like I'd make out with you all day lolllll (sic)." He is also accused of expressing a desire for "Riley" to "be super comfortable before you show me more of your face and before I get to see your body."
Between December 20 and December 25 of 2022, Fekkas allegedly sent explicit images of himself to "Riley" and solicited her for sexual activities. The exchanges reportedly became increasingly explicit over time.
Fekkas is currently facing two counts of possession of child pornography, each carrying a mandatory sentence of five to 20 years if convicted. He is also charged with attempted transfer of obscene material, an offense that could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
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