Earlier today, Michael Fazio, a music teacher at W.T. Clarke Middle and High School in East Meadow, Long Island, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury in Central Islip. Fazio could face up to 20 years in prison when sentenced.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York.
“Fazio possessed unthinkable graphic images of child sexual abuse, all while employed in a position of trust as a middle and high school music teacher,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Prosecuting those who victimize children by feeding the market for child pornography will always be a top priority of our Office and our law enforcement partners.”
According to court filings and statements made during proceedings, investigators found hundreds of images of child pornography on Fazio’s Dropbox account and cellphone. During a search warrant executed at his residence in April 2025, Fazio admitted uploading three images of child pornography to his Dropbox account in October 2024. Authorities also discovered over 700 additional images on one cellphone and another device containing a “Hidden Pictures” folder with adult pornographic content as well as images and videos surreptitiously recorded by Fazio of some students during music instruction.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources. More information about the project can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King from the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.
Michael Fazio is 40 years old and resides in Bellmore, Long Island.
