Watchdog Report Substantiates Misconduct Allegations Against Former Queens Educator

A formal inquiry by the New York City Department of Education’s Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) has substantiated claims that Lennard Persaud, a former teacher at John Adams High School, engaged in non-consensual sexual acts and inappropriate communications with a student. The misconduct reportedly occurred between 2014 and 2016, while the student was in her junior and senior years of high school.

The SCI investigation, which commenced in April 2023, relied on text message evidence and interviews with former students who reported observing the victim in significant emotional distress during that period. According to the agency, Persaud declined to participate in the investigation, citing his status as a tenured employee.

Special Commissioner Anastasia Coleman characterized the behavior as predatory and a violation of the trust placed in educators. The findings have been referred to the New York State Education Department for further review.

Persaud faced legal consequences prior to the conclusion of the SCI report. In June 2023, he was arrested by the NYPD on multiple charges, including third-degree rape, third-degree criminal sexual act, and endangering the welfare of a child. By January 2024, he had pleaded guilty to a violation of disorderly conduct and was granted a conditional discharge.

In a statement, the Department of Education confirmed that Persaud is no longer employed by the city’s public school system. The agency stated that the individual was removed from contact with students upon the discovery of the allegations. Despite this, as of late July 2026, Persaud’s professional profile on LinkedIn continued to list him as an active employee of the Department of Education, a position he had held since 1998.

The SCI has recommended that a permanent problem code be attached to Persaud’s personnel file to prevent him from obtaining future employment within the school system or with its associated vendors.