Class ended early for students at a private school in Brooklyn after their teacher was led away in handcuffs over allegations he shared sexualized images on social media.
Winston Nguyen, 37, who taught mathematics at St. Ann’s School, a private school in the neighborhood’s exclusive Brooklyn Heights area, had previously participated in the quiz show Jeopardy!
So far, Nguyen, who has been teaching at the $60,000-a-year school since 2020, has not been charged with any crimes, but remains a suspect in the investigation.
Nguyen has also found himself in legal jeopardy in the past.
In 2019, Nguyen was jailed at Rikers Island for four months after stealing $300,000 from a 96-year-old blind man and his 92-year-old wife, who have since died.
Brooklyn math teacher Winston Nguyen, 37, had previously participated in Jeopardy!
Nguyen taught math at St. Ann’s School, pictured, a $60,000-a-year private school in the borough’s exclusive Brooklyn Heights area.
Further investigation into Nguyen’s alleged conduct is underway, according to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
The school confirmed that it is being investigated for “dissemination of intimate images through social networks.”
“Following his arrest on Thursday, the school immediately placed him on leave and he remains on leave,” a spokesperson said.
The school’s principal, Kenyatte Reid, wrote to parents informing them of the arrest and asked families who might have more information about Ngyuen’s behavior to come forward.
‘This incident is very disturbing for all of us. “We are proud of our incredible faculty and a trust-based learning environment,” Reid wrote.
Seven years ago, Nguyen had another brush with the law and was arrested after stealing $300,000 while working as a domestic help for the elderly couple, the Stolls.
Nguyen robbed Bernard and Florence Stoll. Bernard died in November 2019. Florence in November 2018
In 2019, Nguyen was jailed at Rikers Island for four months after stealing $300,000 from a 96-year-old blind man and his 92-year-old wife. He is pictured outside court in 2019.
Nguyen had been working as a home help for a couple in their 90s. when she stole $300,000
Nguyen pleaded guilty and served jail time and probation and was ordered to repay the money.
Just three years later, Nguyen was teaching at the private school even though administrators were fully aware of his criminal record.
“A non-violent criminal record cannot bar employment,” the St. Ann’s spokeswoman said..
‘The school offers a careful and insightful assessment of a candidate’s potential fit for a job with the school.
“We are fully cooperating with authorities in their efforts and right now we are focused on helping our students process this news.”
Parents of children at the exclusive school appeared concerned about Nguyen’s arrest and criminal record.
‘What is the research process like? What’s the background process like?” one parent asked. The daily beast.
‘The idea that it was someone close to my children… is terrifying. “I see him as a manipulator and a scammer,” the father added.
Famous Brooklynites who have attended St. Anns in years past include Girls creator Lena Dunham, actress Jennifer Connelly, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Maya Hawk, the daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.
Nguyen used his money to buy expensive tickets to ballets and Broadway shows. She is seen at the New York City Ballet’s Spring Gala in May 2017.
Winston Nguyen appears alongside New York City Ballet dancer Claire von Enck in 2013.
When Nguyen was working as a home health aide, he stole nearly $300,000 from the elderly couple, Bernard and Florence Stoll, both in their 90s.
He was hired in 2009 to help the blind man and his wife with day-to-day tasks.
He used the cash to pay for expensive ballet tickets, Broadway shows, and trips to Florida with his friends, all with his unsuspecting employer’s money.
He worked for the couple for six years until he was finally arrested after the couple’s daughter-in-law discovered he had stolen from them.
Nguyen would use the couple’s bank account and credit cards to make purchases and cash withdrawals worth $100,000.
He wrote himself checks worth $200,000 and then opened lines of credit using their information in the amount of $35,000.
He was able to mask the robbery by changing the address on the couple’s bank statements to that of his own home. He then amended the statements to eliminate any of the fraudulent purchases.
Any calls from the banks asking about the money were also blocked after Nguyen placed a barrier on the couple’s phone.
Following the discovery of the robbery, Nguyen pleaded not guilty to 32 counts of grand larceny, possession of stolen property and identity theft.