Valley Stream resident Daniel McMenamin pleads guilty to sexual assault

Former Lawrence Woodmere Academy teacher had three-year relationship with student

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Daniel McMenamin, a Valley Stream resident who taught at the Lawrence Woodmere Academy in Woodmere, pleaded guilty to one count of rape second-degree and one count of criminal sex act on April 8.

McMenamin waived his right to appeal, an order of protection was issued and he must surrender his New York state teacher’s license and is expected to be sentenced to 10 years probation, with sex offender conditions and register with the state as a sex offender.

“The defendant, while in a position of power as a teacher, targeted a young student and caused her unspeakable pain and suffering,” Nassau County District Attorney spokeswoman Miriam Sholder said. “The publicity generated by this case only furthered that suffering and, in an effort to spare the survivor the trauma of having to testify at trial, a negotiated disposition was reached.”  

Arrested in October of last year, McMenamin was originally charged with 24 counts that was increased to 27. He allegedly engaged in several acts of sexual misconduct from November of 2014, when the girl was 14 until July of last year. The girl was a student at the school in Woodmere when this occurred.

When arrested, McNenamin had not taught at LWA in two years, according to school officials.

McMenamin’s arrest and the revelation in January that another teacher had an ongoing flirtatious relationship with another student led to the firing of Headmaster Alan Bernstein and a shake up of the school’s board.

"Lawrence Woodmere Academy will always maintain the interests and safety of our children comes first," said Headmaster Barbra Feldman. "We have enhanced our policies and procedures that ensure the integrity of our institution. This was a sad time for everyone and we have moved on to insure the continuance of our quality education for all of our students in a safe and protective environment."

McMenamin’s lawyer, Edward Rapone, was not available for comment.