D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Afterschool Program Employee For Sexually Abusing An 8-Year-Old Student

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of MILES MCNEAL, 25, for sexually abusing an 8-year-old student multiple times in a Harlem afterschool program. MCNEAL is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree, one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. [1] 

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse Bureau and NYPD Child Abuse Squad are continuing to investigate these allegations as there may be additional survivors. The Office has specially trained professionals who can speak to children and their families in a child-friendly setting, and any parent who believes their child had contact with MCNEAL should call 212-335-4300. 

“As alleged, Miles McNeal abused his power as an afterschool program teacher to sexually abuse an 8-year-old student. These alleged acts are despicable, and no student or parent should ever have to fear that they may face this abusive behavior at a school,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We believe that there may be additional survivors, and this remains an ongoing investigation. Please reach out to our Office if you believe your child may have been abused by Miles McNeal – our team has extensive experience and trauma-informed training to handle these investigations with the care and sensitivity they deserve.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record, on multiple occasions between September 8, 2022, and August 18, 2023, MCNEAL molested and sexually abused the 8-year-old at a Harlem afterschool program. 

MCNEAL was the survivor’s afterschool and camp teacher. He would routinely take her out of class and away from other students into an empty classroom, where the abuse would occur. MCNEAL’S abuse escalated in severity, beginning with photographing the survivor’s body, then rising to sexual abuse. 

Assistant D.A. Samantha LiTrenta is handling the prosecution of the case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Heather Buchanan (Bureau Chief of the Child Abuse Bureau). Trial Preparation Assistant Ryan Dyke and Investigative Analyst Tessa Ferrall are also assisting with the case. 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Denisse Caceres of the Special Victims Division. 

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.