Joseph Garofalo, a former assistant lacrosse coach at Valley Stream Central High School in New York, has been arrested and charged with the sexual exploitation of minors following allegations that he coerced underage boys into sharing explicit images through Snapchat. Garofalo faces federal charges filed in the Eastern District of New York and remains detained without bail.
According to court documents, Garofalo, age 20, used a fake identity on Snapchat to engage minors in inappropriate conversations, pressuring victims into sending explicit photographs and videos. Authorities launched their investigation in October 2024 after the mother of a 13-year-old boy in Pennsylvania alleged that she discovered disturbing Snapchat messages between her son and an unknown individual.
Prosecutors revealed that Garofalo initially received inappropriate images from the victim in June 2024. According to the charges filed against Garofalo, when the child requested these images be deleted, Garofalo instead demanded additional explicit material, threatening public exposure unless the boy complied. Garofalo also allegedly attempted to pressure the victim into involving his peers in sending illicit images.
Investigators from the FBI’s Long Island Child Exploitation Task Force traced the Snapchat account to Garofalo through personal email addresses, IP addresses linked to his residence and workplace, and digital evidence seized from his home. According to the charges, Garofalo later admitted during a recorded interview that he used Snapchat to target minors and acknowledged possessing child sexual abuse material.
The court documents state that a forensic review of Garofalo’s devices has identified evidence suggesting a disturbing pattern of abuse involving at least 30 victims, most from the Long Island area. A 16-year-old victim, identified as “John Doe,” also reported that Garofalo solicited illegal content from him between September and October 2024.
Valley Stream Central High School District officials have confirmed that Garofalo is no longer employed by the district. They advised parents that no district students have been identified among the victims so far. Superintendent Wayne Loper represented that Garofalo had passed all mandated background checks prior to his employment.
The FBI continues to investigate and urges anyone with additional information or potential victims to contact them at 1-800-CALLFBI.
Herman Law Supports Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
At Herman Law, we understand the profound trauma survivors endure, particularly when the abuse involves trusted figures within educational or youth-related institutions. Our New York child sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping survivors navigate the path toward justice and healing through compassionate and dedicated legal representation.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse related to this case or in a similar institutional setting, Herman Law encourages you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is here to listen, support, and advocate on your behalf, ensuring that institutions and perpetrators are held accountable.
Sources
1. Simons, A. (2025, May 6). Valley Stream coach ran alleged Snapchat ‘sextortion’ scheme on boys. Herald Community Newspapers.
2. U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York. (2025). Criminal complaint: United States v. Joseph Garofalo (Case No. 24-MJ-1062).
3. Efergan, A. (2025, May 6). Valley Stream Central High School assistant lacrosse coach accused of online sexual exploitation. Newsday.
4. News 12 Staff. (2025, May 6). Valley Stream coach Joseph Garofalo sextorted teen: DOJ. MSN News.