Former coach accused of sharing vile child abuse files — police

West Harrison man charged with sharing child sex abuse material

West Harrison, NY – A 46-year-old West Harrison man and former school athletics staff member has been charged with possessing and distributing child sex abuse material, according to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

Richard Salerno Jr. was arrested and charged with felony counts of possessing and promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child. Prosecutors allege Salerno possessed and shared explicit material depicting the abuse of children on two separate occasions in 2024 and 2025.

The charges were filed in a felony complaint outlining the alleged activity, District Attorney Susan Cacace said. Salerno was arraigned on December 11 in Rye Town Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

The court set bail at $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond, or a $25,000 partially secured bond. Salerno posted bail and was released. He is scheduled to appear in Harrison Town Court on January 13.

No further details about the investigation or the nature of the material have been released. Prosecutors have not stated whether the offenses were connected to his prior role in a school setting.

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Key Points

Richard Salerno Jr., 46, of West Harrison, is charged with possessing and promoting child sex abuse material
Authorities allege two incidents occurred in 2024 and 2025
Salerno pleaded not guilty and was released on bail ahead of his January 13 court appearance

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

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