Retired Teacher Faces Child Porn Charges

Update:

Arshad Majid, the attorney representing Thomas Bouklas, told Newsday that his client is charged with having only one image on his computer and denies any criminal intent.

"We believe this is a mistake and a misunderstanding," Majid said, adding that Bouklas voluntarily surrendered to police. 

Although retired, Bouklas was an assistant coach of the St. John's girls soccer team. The Diocese of Rockville Centre said he has been terminated pending the outcome of the investigation.

Original Story:

West Islip Patch on Friday reported that Thomas Bouklas, a retired teacher and former elite soccer coach at St. John the Baptist was arrested and charged with possessing child pornography.

He was taken into custody at the Seventh Precinct in Shirley and transported to First District Court in Central Islip.

According to Suffolk County Police, an investigation by detectives in the Computer Crimes Unit found evidence that Bouklas had child pornography downloaded from the Internet on his computer.

A search warrant was executed at his home on Arnold Street in Holbrook where computers, hard drives and assorted media were seized, police said.

Bouklas was a highly-regarded coach who spent 32 seasons at SJB. He won 18 Catholic League titles and also led his team to Catholic State championships in 1996 and 1998.