Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the arrest of Thomas James Puccini, 28, from Eastchester. Puccini faces charges related to the sexual exploitation of three minors and the receipt and distribution of child pornography. He was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court and detained.
"Thomas James Puccini’s alleged crimes are every parent’s nightmare," stated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. "Puccini, a football coach, held himself out as a trusted member of his school community, yet he was preying on our most innocent and vulnerable."
James Manning, Acting Special Agent in Charge at HSI New York, remarked: "As alleged, the defendant violated parents’ and students’ trust through his vile acts against children." He commended HSI New York's Hudson Valley investigators for prioritizing the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Jay Clayton's office: "For months, our criminal investigators worked hard to build the strongest possible case against the defendant."
According to allegations in a complaint filed on May 20, 2025, Puccini worked as a football coach at a high school in Westchester County and became interim athletic director in July 2024. The complaint details communications between Puccini and several victims through social media platforms like Snapchat.
Victim-1 reported being contacted by an account named “alex_fundi2” in November 2021 when they were 17 years old. The account allegedly coerced Victim-1 into sending sexually explicit images under threat of exposure.
Victim-2 interacted with Puccini via Snapchat starting at age 13 while preparing for Junior Varsity football under his supervision. It is alleged that Puccini requested explicit photos from Victim-2 over several years.
Victims-3 and -4 also communicated with “alex_fundi2” on Snapchat in 2023 under false pretenses involving promises or threats related to explicit content exchange.
A search warrant executed at Puccini's residence led to evidence supporting these allegations. Additionally, records link him directly to various accounts used during these interactions.
In November 2024, local authorities charged Puccini with Grand Larceny in connection with another incident unrelated to these allegations.
Authorities suspect there may be more victims connected to this case. They urge anyone with relevant information or who had contact with specified accounts to reach out via Homeland Security Investigations' tip line or online form.
Puccini faces multiple counts of sexual exploitation of minors each carrying severe penalties if convicted. The prosecution is managed by Assistant United States Attorney Marcia S. Cohen from the Office’s White Plains Division.
