LOCUST VALLEY MUSIC TEACHER PLEADS GUILTY TO STUDENT SEX ABUSE

Newsday/Ann Givens
2/25/13
John E. Benstock, a 49 year old Locust Valley music teacher, pleaded guilty to sex abusecharges Monday after he admitted that he forced his young students to play games in which some ofthem touched him inappropriately through his clothes.  Benstock, of Laurel Place in Bayville,will serve no prison time under a plea agreement but will lose his teaching license, serve 6 yearsprobation and must register as a level 1 sex offender for at least 20 years.  He pleadedguilty to four counts of second degree sexual abuse and 10 counts of endangering the welfare of achild. 
Laura Ahearn, executive director of Parents for Megan's Law, a nonprofit that aims toprevent child sexual abuse, said the punishment is not enough.  That sentence sends a messageof tolerance, not deterrence, she said.
(New York)