Custodian Charged with Child Endangerment at Marcy School

Abdiwahab A. Mohamed accused of inappropriate behavior with 13-year-old student

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a school security badge, its details obscured by harsh, direct flash lighting against a dark background, conveying a sense of investigation and seriousness around a troubling incident.A school security badge becomes a symbol of violated trust in the case of an alleged child endangerment incident at a Marcy middle school.Marcy Today

State Police have arrested a 45-year-old custodian from Utica, Abdiwahab A. Mohamed, and charged him with endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. The investigation began in January after the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center received a report involving a juvenile at John F. Kennedy Middle School, where Mohamed worked. Authorities allege Mohamed made inappropriate and unlawful sexual advances toward a 13-year-old female student on school grounds.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting when it comes to protecting children in schools. Allegations of this nature against a school employee are deeply concerning and can have lasting impacts on the victim, the school community, and public trust in educational institutions.

The details

According to the investigation, Mohamed, who was employed as a custodian at John F. Kennedy Middle School, allegedly made inappropriate and unlawful sexual advances toward a 13-year-old female student while on school grounds. The investigation was initiated in January after the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center received a report involving a juvenile at the school.

  • The investigation began in January 2026 after a report was filed with the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.
  • Abdiwahab A. Mohamed was arrested on April 9, 2026.

The players

Abdiwahab A. Mohamed

A 45-year-old man from Utica, New York who was employed as a custodian at John F. Kennedy Middle School and has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor.

Oneida County Child Advocacy Center

The organization that received the initial report in January 2026 that led to the investigation into Abdiwahab A. Mohamed's alleged actions.

Oneida County District Attorney's Office

The office that coordinated with the Marcy Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center on this case.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students in our schools. These allegations are deeply troubling and will be fully investigated.”

— Samantha Wilkins, Superintendent, Marcy School District

What’s next

Mohamed is being held at the Oneida County Jail awaiting arraignment. The school district has placed him on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust background checks, training, and oversight of all school employees to protect vulnerable students. It also highlights the importance of having clear reporting protocols so that any concerns about staff misconduct can be swiftly addressed.