Former NYC Prep School Teacher Charged for Coercing Students to Send Explicit Images

Two victims are suing the teacher, Winston Nguyen, and the elite Saint Ann's School for failing to properly vet and supervise him.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Two teenage girls are suing former New York City private school teacher Winston Nguyen, as well as the elite Saint Ann's School, alleging that Nguyen posed as a teen boy on Snapchat and coerced them into sending him nude images and videos, which he then disseminated to other students. Nguyen is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence for his crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of teachers abusing their positions of trust to exploit and victimize students, as well as the responsibility of schools to properly vet and supervise their employees. The lawsuit also raises concerns about the lasting trauma and damage caused by the nonconsensual sharing of explicit images, known as 'revenge porn'.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Nguyen, a 39-year-old former teacher at Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn, posed as a teenage boy on Snapchat and contacted six children from various elite independent schools. He allegedly pressured two 13-year-old girls to send him nude photos and videos, which he then shared with other students at his school. The lawsuit claims that Saint Ann's was aware of Nguyen's behavior and the circulation of the explicit images, but failed to report it to authorities or adequately notify parents.

  • In October 2022, Nguyen began contacting the victims on Snapchat.
  • The abuse continued until May 2024, when Nguyen was arrested.
  • In March 2025, Nguyen pleaded guilty to charges and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
  • The lawsuit was filed on January 29, 2026.

The players

Winston Nguyen

A 39-year-old former teacher at Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn who was convicted of posing as a teen boy on Snapchat and coercing students to send him explicit images and videos, which he then disseminated to other students.

Saint Ann's School

An elite private school in Brooklyn, New York that is being sued by two victims for allegedly failing to properly vet and supervise Nguyen, despite being aware of his inappropriate behavior.

Vincent Tompkins

A current or former school leader at Saint Ann's School who is named in the lawsuit.

Kenyatte Reid

A current or former school leader at Saint Ann's School who is named in the lawsuit.

Melissa Kantor

A current or former school leader at Saint Ann's School who is named in the lawsuit.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow the lawsuit against Saint Ann's School and its administrators to proceed.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for schools to have robust policies and procedures in place to thoroughly vet employees, monitor their behavior, and swiftly report any suspected misconduct to the proper authorities in order to protect vulnerable students from predatory teachers.