Ex-Teacher Gets 13 Years For Preying On Minors

A predator in a tweed jacket is trading classrooms for a cell block. Kostas Fekkas, formerly a high school educator, will spend the next 13 years behind bars after pleading guilty to exploiting two young girls. The sentence, handed down today by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel in White Plains, NY, marks the culmination of a disturbing case that began to surface last year.

Fekkas, who also went by “Constantine Fekkas” and “C.J. Justice,” initially came under scrutiny in March 2023 when federal agents seized his cellphone. What they found wasn’t lesson plans or student essays, but a sickening trove of digital abuse. Investigators discovered a video depicting a 12-year-old girl engaged in a sexual act, along with corresponding screenshots. The probe quickly revealed Fekkas had initiated contact with the girl on Snapchat in 2022, using the platform to groom her before escalating to the illicit recording.

The depravity didn’t end there. Between October 2022 and September 2023, Fekkas turned his attention to a 16-year-old, systematically manipulating her through text messages. While the specifics of these conversations remain sealed, federal prosecutors presented evidence of a deliberate pattern of coercion and enticement – a calculated effort to exploit a vulnerable teenager. The feds say Fekkas leveraged his position of assumed authority to gain the girl’s trust, then systematically violated it.

“This wasn’t mentorship. This was predation,” declared U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton in a statement following the sentencing. “Fekkas violated the trust placed in him and caused lasting harm to these victims. We’re committed to bringing predators like this to justice.” The charge Fekkas pled guilty to was production of child sexual abuse material, a federal felony carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of six years, and a maximum of 30. The 13-year sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the vulnerability of the victims, according to court documents.

Sentencing guidelines, while providing a range, allow judges discretion based on factors like the age of the victims, the extent of the abuse, and the defendant’s prior criminal history. In Fekkas’ case, the judge clearly determined that a substantial prison term was necessary to both punish him for his actions and deter others from similar conduct. The investigation was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from local law enforcement agencies.

Beyond the immediate prison sentence, Fekkas will also be subject to a lifetime of supervised release, and will be required to register as a sex offender. This means his personal information will be publicly accessible, and he will face restrictions on where he can live and work. The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking online, and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation. The feds are urging anyone with information about child sexual abuse to come forward.

The details emerging from this case raise serious questions about vetting procedures for educators and the need for increased awareness of online grooming tactics. While Fekkas is now facing the consequences of his actions, the scars he inflicted on his victims will likely last a lifetime. HSI continues to investigate potential connections and collaborators, seeking to dismantle networks involved in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material. They can be reached at 1-866-DHS-2423 or through their online tip form.

This isn’t an isolated incident. The proliferation of digital devices and social media platforms has created new avenues for predators to target vulnerable individuals. Federal agencies are increasingly focused on combating online child exploitation, but the fight is far from over. The Grimy Times will continue to report on these cases, exposing the darkness and holding perpetrators accountable.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice