NYC teaching assistant, 47, charged with sexually abusing middle school students

A shocking case has come to light in Harlem, where a paraprofessional at P.S. 076 A. Philip Randolph has been charged with sexually abusing middle school students over a period of two years. Saneel Boodram, who once had aspirations of becoming an elementary school teacher, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court facing first-and-second degree sexual abuse and child endangerment charges after three students reported his disturbing behavior on school grounds.

According to court documents, Boodram is accused of touching a 12-year-old student’s breast, making inappropriate comments, and even sending shirtless photos of himself to multiple students. The alleged incidents took place at P.S. 076 A. Philip Randolph, where Boodram worked as a media specialist. The 47-year-old was reassigned to another location after the allegations surfaced in 2024.

Prosecutors detailed the disturbing behavior, stating that Boodram used his position at the middle school to sexually abuse and harass multiple students over the past two years. The students reportedly felt uncomfortable, and two of them eventually gathered the courage to come forward with their complaints.

The timeline of the alleged incidents is chilling. The first known incident occurred in October 2023 when Boodram touched a female student’s chest and collarbone. Months later, in June 2024, he sent a semi-naked photo to several students and invited them to a pool party. On October 11, 2024, he allegedly made inappropriate physical contact with a 13-year-old girl.

Boodram, who has been employed with the city’s Department of Education for 25 years, has a background that includes accolades for outstanding service and dedication to students. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he earned a degree in filmmaking from the New York University of Technology and that his ambitions once included becoming an elementary school teacher.

Despite his lawyer arguing that Boodram has no criminal history, bail was set at $10,000 – $40,000 lower than what prosecutors had requested. Orders of protection were issued for the three young students involved in the case, and the investigation is ongoing. Boodram is scheduled to appear in court again on March 4 as the legal proceedings continue.