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Former lacrosse coach accused of enticing teen boy to send explicit pictures

Joseph Garofalo pleaded not guilty in April to the charge of sexual exploitation of children.

Rob Taub and Krista McNally

May 9, 2025, 4:08 PM

Updated 1 hr ago

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An assistant lacrosse coach with the Valley Stream Central High School District allegedly engaged in "sextortion."
According to the federal criminal complaint, Joseph Garofalo allegedly coerced a 13-year-old boy to send him sexually explicit photos via Snapchat.
The district sent a letter to the community saying they have been in contact with the FBI, which assured them that none of the allegations against the assistant lacrosse coach involved students from the Valley Stream Central High School District.
According to court documents, the government has already identified 30 victims after merely searching one-third of one of the four phones discovered in Garofalo's possession and most of his victims are on Long Island.
Garofalo pleaded not guilty.
His attorney released this statement: "These allegations come as a shock to the Garafolo family. Nevertheless, they are unconditionally supportive of Joseph through this difficult time."