A Briarcliff Manor man charged with making threats against New Rochelle school officials previously taught Spanish at Isaac Young Middle School, according to the district spokesperson.

Officials confirmed that 46‑year‑old Samuel McVey taught at the school for about four months starting in September before he was suspended with pay. While the district did not comment on personnel matters, News 12 confirmed that Superintendent Dr. Corey Reynolds alerted police after he and others in the district received threatening emails.

McVey told News 12 by phone that someone used his account to send the messages while pretending to be him.

Investigators later found a series of videos posted publicly on McVey’s YouTube channel in which he allegedly threatened to show up at school board members’ homes with a bazooka if they did not step down. In the videos, police say, he later added that he was “just kidding.”

Police executed an arrest warrant at McVey’s home Tuesday, taking him into custody without incident. He is charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree. McVey was arraigned the same day, and a temporary order of protection now bars him from going near the superintendent, any Board of Education buildings and all New Rochelle schools.

McVey denied the charges, telling News 12, “I never threatened the school superintendent, Dr. Corey Reynolds. In fact, I've never met him in my entire life. Regarding the board of education members, I don't know any board of education members.”

District officials say they are taking the situation seriously and are working with police to ensure the safety of students, staff and board members. New Rochelle police have increased their presence at several district buildings, and parents have been notified. Classes and activities are continuing as scheduled.

McVey is due back in court next month.