Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
Kostas Fekkas, a former high school teacher, was sentenced on Mar. 18 to 13 years in prison for coercing two minors into sending him sexually explicit images and videos, according to an announcement by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton. U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel handed down the sentence after Fekkas previously pled guilty on September 5, 2025.
The case highlights concerns about the safety of children in educational settings and the responsibilities entrusted to teachers. Authorities say that Fekkas used his position to exploit vulnerable students, causing significant harm.
"Teachers are entrusted with the safety, mentorship, and care of our children," said Jay Clayton. "Instead of keeping them safe, Kostas Fekkas coerced a 12-year-old girl and a 16-year-old teenager into sending him sexually explicit photographs and video of themselves. Today’s 13-year sentence reflects the seriousness of that betrayal and the profound harm caused to these victims. This Office will never stop aggressively pursuing predators who sexually exploit our city’s children. If you suspect sexual exploitation, please reach out to our law enforcement partners."
Court documents show that in or about 2022, Fekkas coerced a 12-year-old girl to send him explicit photos and videos via Snapchat. Law enforcement found evidence on his cellphone in March 2023, including a video of the victim as well as still images from it. Between October 2022 and September 2023, he also engaged in explicit conversations with a 16-year-old teenager and convinced her to send similar material.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about child sexual exploitation to contact Homeland Security Investigations through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2423 or by completing its online tip form. The lines are staffed around the clock by investigators.
In addition to his prison term, Fekkas was sentenced to ten years of supervised release. Clayton praised Homeland Security Investigations and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office for their work on this case.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Ly from the White Plains Division.
