Former Hudson Valley Teacher On The Run After Groping Accusations

The NYPD is asking for assistance in the apprehension of a former Hudson Valley teacher who's been accused of forcibly touching young students.

Brett Bernstein is accused of kissing two 14 year-old female victims as well as grabbing their hands and placing them on his midsection. He also allegedly texted images of his midsection and upper body to each victim.

CBS news reports that Bernstein was most recently a gym teacher at Harlem Prep Middle School, the location of the alleged incidents. The teacher has since been fired, but has now disappeared and is wanted by the police.

Before moving to Manhattan, Bernstein taught at St. Mary's in Fishkill. The Poughkeepsie Journal has cited sources confirming that the former teacher was employed at the Catholic grammar school between 2010 and 2014. There is no information available as to why Bernstein left or the circumstances of his departure from the school.

Police are asking anyone with information in regards to Bernstein's whereabouts, or details on the incidents in question, to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).  The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website  or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.