WADING RIVER, N.Y. — October 16, 2025
A Long Island elementary school music teacher has been suspended after a viral YouTube sting video allegedly showed him engaging in sexually explicit conversations with someone posing as a 13-year-old girl. Local authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Undercover Video Sparks Investigation

The confrontation was recorded and published by Predator Poachers Long Island, a vigilante group that conducts undercover stings targeting suspected child predators. The video — uploaded to the group’s official YouTube channel — shows a man identified as Mark Verity, 37, a teacher at Wading River Elementary School, being confronted after allegedly attempting to meet a supposed teenage girl.

According to the New York Post, the footage includes parts where Verity appears to admit to exchanging explicit messages and requesting nude photos. He also allegedly mentioned possessing child sexual abuse material stored on the cloud service MEGA.

Editor’s note: The above statements are based on claims made in the publicly available video. These allegations have not yet been verified by law enforcement.

Teacher Reportedly Blamed Marital Problems

During the encounter, Verity reportedly cited a “sexless marriage” as a contributing factor to his actions and claimed his sexual interest in minors dated back more than a decade.

Police were called to the scene shortly after the confrontation, but no formal charges have been filed as of Thursday. The Suffolk County Police Department confirmed the case remains under active investigation.

School District’s Immediate Response

The Shoreham-Wading River Central School District announced that Verity was suspended without pay and barred from all district properties while the investigation continues.

“We are aware of the deeply disturbing allegations involving one of our employees,” the district said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”

Parents and community members expressed shock after the video’s release, calling for tighter background checks and digital monitoring policies for teachers.

Legal and Ethical Debate Around Vigilante Stings

Vigilante sting operations like those conducted by Predator Poachers Long Island have drawn both support and criticism. While such videos can bring alleged misconduct to light, legal experts warn they may complicate criminal proceedings due to potential evidentiary and due process issues.

Authorities urge the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until the official investigation is completed.

Wider Concerns About Online Safety

This incident highlights growing concerns over online predation and the ethics of citizen-led sting operations shared on platforms such as YouTube.
Advocates for child protection say the case underscores the importance of digital safety education and responsible social media use among both adults and children.

Sources

• New York Post, October 16, 2025
• Predator Poachers Long Island – YouTube Channel