PCVA is seeking anyone with information about alleged sexual abuse perpetrated by Steven Schnee, a New York City public school teacher who was arrested in March 2026 and charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old student at the Lafayette Educational Complex in Brooklyn.
If you or someone you know was sexually abused by Steven Schnee or has information pertaining to Schnee, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (212) 300-2444.
This article provides further details about Steven Schnee and the allegations against him, as well as information about sexual abuse in schools and what you can do if you or someone you know has been affected.
Who Is Steven Schnee?
Steven Schnee, 48, is a teacher employed by the New York City Department of Education (DOE). According to publicly available payroll records, Schnee earned approximately $140,000 working for the DOE in 2025. He was assigned to the Lafayette Educational Complex, a campus at 2630 Benson Avenue in the Bensonhurst/Gravesend area of Brooklyn that houses multiple schools.
What Is Steven Schnee Accused Of?
According to multiple news reports, Schnee was arrested on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, at approximately 4:15 p.m. inside the Lafayette Educational Complex. A DOE source told News 12 Brooklyn that the school building was placed in a “soft lockdown” during the arrest.
Schnee has been charged with forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child, sexual abuse, and harassment. According to police sources and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, the alleged incident took place on February 12, 2026, shortly after 3 p.m. Schnee is accused of placing his hands on the 16-year-old victim’s upper thighs over her clothing and making inappropriate comments.
Schnee pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Thursday, March 6, 2026, and was released without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on April 16, 2026.
A spokesperson for New York City Public Schools issued a statement saying the individual has been reassigned away from students, and that the DOE would seek termination if the allegations are confirmed.
Parents Report They Were Not Notified
Multiple parents told News 12 Brooklyn that they first learned of the alleged incident through media coverage—not from the school or the DOE. The fact that there was reportedly a gap of several weeks between the alleged incident on February 12 and the arrest on March 5 raises questions about how the matter was handled and whether parents and students were adequately informed.
How Common Is Sexual Abuse by Teachers?
Sexual abuse by teachers and other school employees is a serious and widespread problem. Schools are environments where adults are entrusted with tremendous authority over children, and when that trust is violated, the consequences can be devastating.
Research has consistently found that student sexual abuse is underreported. Students may not come forward for many reasons, including fear of retaliation, shame, confusion about whether what happened constitutes abuse, or concern that they will not be believed. When institutions fail to act on warning signs or delay notifying parents and the public, it can allow abuse to continue and discourage other victims from speaking up.
What Are the Effects of Sexual Abuse on Students?
Even when there is no visible physical injury, sexual abuse can have lasting psychological effects on survivors. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the effects of sexual violence can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulty with trust and relationships, and challenges with academic performance.
Young people who are abused by authority figures such as teachers may experience an especially complex form of trauma, as the abuse involves a betrayal of trust by someone who is supposed to protect and educate them.
Institutional Accountability: The Role of Schools and the DOE
When a student is sexually abused by a teacher or school employee, the institution that employed that individual may bear responsibility—particularly if there were warning signs that were ignored, if proper screening or oversight was lacking, or if the response to reports of misconduct was delayed or inadequate.
Schools and school districts have a legal and moral duty to protect the students in their care. When they fail to fulfill that duty, civil legal action can help hold the institution accountable and provide survivors with a path to justice and recovery.
If You Have Information About Steven Schnee
PCVA is seeking anyone who may have information about Steven Schnee and allegations of abuse or inappropriate conduct with students. If you or someone you know has been affected, please know that you are not alone and that help is available.
Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys handle cases with the highest level of care and confidentiality. All consultations are free, and you are under no obligation.
Contact us using our online form or call our New York office at (212) 300-2444.