M-W football coach accused of ‘sexting’ minors

BY ERIKA NORTON
MONROE — An assistant coach for the Monroe-Woodbury Junior Varsity football team is accused of sending sexually explicit text messages, also known as “sexting,” to a minor.
Justin D. Kaffenberger, 23, of Monroe, was arrested on Sept. 19 and is charged with two counts of first-degree disseminating indecent material to minors, a felony, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.
The victim was a 15-year-old girl, according to police.
In court documents, Kaffenberger is accused of allegedly sending lewd pictures of himself to the girl and requesting that she perform numerous sexual acts on him. He sent the photos and messages through the Snapchat smartphone app.
District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that he is seeking the public’s help in the case and that the case will be presented to an Orange County Grand Jury.
Anyone with any information concerning the matter is urged to contact the New York State Police Monroe Barracks by calling (845) 782-8311.
“School is one of the places where our children should feel safest,” Hoovler said. “My office will seek severe penalties for those who seek to leverage their positions in working with children to victimize them. I urge anyone who has information concerning this incident, or any crime involving adults inappropriately dealings with minors, to contact law enforcement.”
Kaffenberger was arraigned in the Town of Woodbury Court and sent to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $7,500 cash or $15,000 bond, pending further court action.
He appeared in Town of Monroe Court on Sept. 24.
In a statement, Monroe-Woodbury Superintendent Elsie Rodriguez said that district officials were made aware late Wednesday night of the ongoing police investigation into the alleged inappropriate behavior by a Kaffenberger.
Aside from coaching responsibilities, Rodriguez said Kaffenberger is not otherwise employed by the district.
“We understand the sensitivity and seriousness of this matter and are cooperating fully with authorities,” Rodriguez said. “We want to reassure our families that this individual will not be on school property.”
She said any parents with concerns are encouraged to contact state police at the Monroe barracks.
Kaffenberger was a star football player for Monroe-Woodbury High School and graduated in 2013.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 5. at Town of Monroe Court.