Feds hunt for victims after teacher accused of targeting teens online
Red Hook, NY — Federal investigators are asking for the public’s help as they work to identify potential victims in a child exploitation case involving a former middle school teacher accused of targeting teenage girls online.
The FBI’s New York Division said 26-year-old Daniel Monarchi, of Red Hook, was arrested in August and charged with sexual exploitation of a child in federal court.
Investigators allege Monarchi used online chat platforms to contact minor females, later moving conversations to apps including Discord and Snapchat. Authorities said he is accused of coercing minors into engaging in sexually explicit conduct and producing illegal material.
According to officials, the alleged activity occurred prior to September 2024 and continued until his arrest.
Monarchi was employed as a special education and social studies teacher in Dutchess County at the time of the alleged offenses.
The FBI released multiple usernames tied to the investigation across platforms including Discord, Snapchat, Instagram, and email services, and believes additional victims may not yet have been identified.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have been contacted or has information related to the case to come forward through an official FBI reporting form. Officials said victims’ identities will be kept confidential.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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Key Points
- FBI seeking victims in case involving former New York teacher
- Suspect accused of targeting minors through online platforms
- Authorities say investigation spans multiple social media accounts