FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO.
`2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`
`EXHIBIT “A”
`EXHIBIT “A”
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`SUPREME
`
`COURT OF THE STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF NASSAU
`
`JANE
`
`DOE,
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`SUMMONS
`
`EAST MEADOW UNION
`MEADOW
`
`HIGH
`
`TECHNOLOGY,
`
`-against-
`
`FREE
`
`SCHOOL
`
`DISTRICT,
`
`NEW YORK
`
`INSTITUTE
`
`EAST
`
`OF
`
`ZINNO,
`
`Defendants.
`
`Plaintiff
`COUNTY
`
`designates
`
`OF NASSAU
`
`as the place
`
`of
`
`trial.
`
`The
`
`basis
`
`of
`
`the
`
`venue
`
`is
`
`PLAINTIFF'S
`
`PLACE
`
`OF RESIDENCE
`
`SCHOOL,
`AND PETER
`
`To
`
`the
`
`above-named
`
`Defendants:
`
`YOU ARE HEREBY
`
`SUMMONED
`
`to answer
`
`the
`
`complaint
`
`in this
`
`action
`
`and
`
`to serve
`
`a copy
`
`of
`
`your
`
`answer,
`
`or,
`
`if
`
`the
`
`complaint
`
`is not
`
`served
`
`with
`
`this
`
`summons,
`
`to serve
`
`a notice
`
`of
`
`appearance,
`
`on
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`within
`
`20
`
`days
`
`after
`
`the
`
`service
`
`of
`
`this
`
`summons,
`
`Attorney(s)
`
`exclusive
`
`of
`
`the
`
`day
`
`of
`
`service
`
`(or within
`
`30 days
`
`after
`
`the
`
`service
`
`is complete
`
`if
`
`this
`
`summons
`
`is
`
`not
`
`personally
`
`delivered
`
`to you within
`
`the State
`
`ofNew
`
`York);
`
`and in case
`
`of your
`
`failure
`
`to appear
`
`or
`
`to
`
`answer,
`
`judgment
`
`will
`
`be
`
`taken
`
`against
`
`you
`
`by
`
`default
`
`for
`
`the
`
`relief
`
`demanded
`
`in
`
`the
`
`complaint.
`
`Dated:
`
`Carle
`
`Place,
`
`New York
`
`August
`
`10, 2021
`
`aron
`
`Ferri
`
`Attorney(s)
`
`LEEDS
`
`One Old
`
`for
`
`Plaintrff
`BROWN LAW,
`
`P.C.
`
`Country
`
`Road,
`
`Suite
`
`347
`
`Carle
`
`(516)
`
`Place,
`
`873-9550
`
`New York
`
`11514
`
`To:
`
`EAST MEADOW UNION
`
`FREE
`
`SCHOOL
`
`DISTRICT
`
`718
`
`The
`
`Plain
`
`Road
`
`Westbury,
`
`New York
`
`11590
`
`1
`
`1 of 2
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`EAST MEADOW HIGH
`
`SCHOOL
`
`101 Carman
`
`Avenue
`
`East Meadow,
`
`NY 11554
`
`NEW YORK INSTITUTEOF
`
`TECHNOLOGY
`
`PO Box
`
`8000
`
`Northern
`
`Boulevard
`
`Old Westbury,
`
`NY 11568
`
`PETER
`
`ZINNO
`
`ADDRESS
`
`UNKNOWN
`
`2
`
`2 of 2
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`SUPREME
`
`COURT
`
`OF THE STATE
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF NASSAU
`
`--
`
`JANE
`
`DOE,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`-against-
`
`X
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`Jury
`
`Trial
`
`Demanded
`
`EAST MEADOW UNION
`EAST MEADOW HIGH
`
`FREE
`
`INSTITUTE
`
`SCHOOL,
`OF TECHNOLOGY,
`
`SCHOOL
`
`DISTRICT,
`NEW YORK
`
`and PETER
`
`ZINNO,
`
`--------------------------------------------------X
`
`Defendants.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`JANE
`
`DOE,
`
`by
`
`and through
`
`her
`
`attorneys,
`
`LEEDS
`
`BROWN
`
`LAW,
`
`P.C.,
`
`alleges
`
`upon
`
`knowledge
`
`as to herself
`
`and
`
`her
`
`own
`
`actions,
`
`and
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`as to all
`
`other
`
`matters,
`
`as follows:
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`1.
`
`This
`
`is a revival
`
`action
`
`brought
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Child
`
`Victims
`
`Act,
`
`CPLR
`
`§
`
`214-g. When
`
`she was
`
`a minor,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`assaulted
`
`and
`
`abused
`
`repeatedly
`
`sexually
`
`by Peter
`
`Zinno
`
`("Mr.
`
`Zinno"),
`
`a track
`
`coach
`
`at New York
`
`Institute
`
`of Technology
`
`("NYIT"),
`
`and
`
`a teacher
`
`under
`
`the
`
`supervision
`
`and
`
`control
`
`of
`
`the
`
`East Meadow
`
`Union
`
`Free
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`who
`
`was
`
`assigned
`
`to East Meadow
`
`High
`
`School
`
`("East
`
`Meadow
`
`H.S.").
`
`PARTIES
`
`2.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is an individual,
`
`who
`
`currently
`
`resides
`
`in Halesite,
`
`New York.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`born
`
`on October
`
`2, 1963.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`and material
`
`hereto,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`a minor
`
`child.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`and material
`
`hereto,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`a resident
`
`of Nassau
`
`County,
`
`Long
`
`Island,
`
`and
`
`a student
`
`of East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`Page
`
`1 of 21
`
`1 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`3.
`
`The
`
`Defendant,
`
`EAST MEADOW UNION
`
`FREE
`
`SCHOOL
`
`DISTRICT,
`
`(the
`
`"School
`
`District")
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is a domestic
`
`municipal
`
`corporation
`
`that
`
`is created,
`
`organized
`
`and
`
`existing
`
`under
`
`and
`
`by
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the
`
`State
`
`of New York,
`
`with
`
`its
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of
`
`business
`
`located
`
`at 718
`
`The
`
`Plain
`
`Road, Westbury,
`
`New York
`
`11590.
`
`The
`
`Defendant
`
`School
`
`District
`
`controls
`
`nine
`
`schools
`
`within
`
`4.
`
`East Meadow
`
`and
`
`Westbury,
`
`Nassau
`
`County.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Complaint,
`
`the
`
`School
`
`District
`
`was
`
`responsible
`
`for managing
`
`and
`
`directing
`
`the public
`
`schools
`
`located
`
`within
`
`its jurisdiction.
`
`5.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to the Complaint,
`
`the School
`
`District
`
`had
`
`the power
`
`to employ
`
`individuals
`
`working
`
`with
`
`and/or
`
`alongside
`
`children
`
`within
`
`the
`
`district,
`
`including
`
`those
`
`at East
`
`Meadow
`
`through
`
`their
`
`and/or
`
`School
`
`District
`
`had
`
`H.S.
`
`and,
`
`agents,
`
`servants,
`
`employees,
`
`the
`
`control
`
`over
`
`school
`
`related
`
`activities
`
`involving
`
`children.
`
`6.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to the Complaint,
`
`Defendant,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`was
`
`and
`
`is a
`
`public
`
`educational
`
`institution,
`
`located
`
`at
`
`101
`
`Carman
`
`Avenue,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`New
`
`York
`
`11554.
`
`At
`
`all material
`
`times,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is a New York
`
`State
`
`Public
`
`School,
`
`managed,
`
`supervised,
`
`overseen,
`
`governed
`
`and/or
`
`administered
`
`owned,
`
`operated,
`
`School
`
`District.
`
`by Defendant
`
`7.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to the Complaint,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S. was
`
`under
`
`the
`
`control
`
`of
`
`the Defendant
`
`School
`
`District
`
`and
`
`operated
`
`for
`
`their
`
`benefit.
`
`8.
`
`The
`
`Defendant
`
`NYIT
`
`was
`
`and
`
`still
`
`is
`
`a private
`
`not-for-profit
`
`university
`
`that
`
`is
`
`created,
`
`organized,
`
`and
`
`existing
`
`under
`
`and by
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`the
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`with
`
`its
`
`Page
`
`2 of 21
`
`2 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of
`
`business
`
`located
`
`at Northern
`
`Boulevard,
`
`P.O.
`
`Box
`
`8000
`
`Old Westbury,
`
`NY
`
`11568-8000.
`
`9.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to the Complaint,
`
`NYIT
`
`had
`
`the
`
`power
`
`to employ
`
`individuals
`
`working
`
`with
`
`and/or
`
`alongside
`
`students
`
`within
`
`the
`
`university
`
`and,
`
`through
`
`their
`
`agents,
`
`servants,
`
`and/or
`
`employees,
`
`NYIT
`
`had
`
`control
`
`over
`
`all university
`
`related
`
`activities.
`
`10.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to the Complaint,
`
`Defendant
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`was
`
`an adult
`
`over
`
`the
`
`age of 21
`
`and was
`
`an agent,
`
`servant,
`
`and/or
`
`employee
`
`of both
`
`the School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT.
`
`Specifically,
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`period,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`taught
`
`social
`
`studies
`
`at East
`
`during
`
`Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and was
`
`the Men's
`
`Track
`
`Coach
`
`at NYIT.
`
`11.
`
`During
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`period,
`
`the
`
`School
`
`District
`
`and
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`assigned
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`to East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`and
`
`placed
`
`him in positions
`
`where
`
`he had
`
`immediate
`
`access
`
`to
`
`children.
`
`12.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to the Complaint,
`
`while
`
`an agent,
`
`servant
`
`and/or
`
`employee
`
`of
`
`the
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`remained
`
`under
`
`their
`
`direct
`
`supervision,
`
`employ,
`
`and/or
`
`control.
`
`13.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`to the Complaint,
`
`while
`
`an agent,
`
`servant
`
`and/or
`
`employee
`
`of
`
`the NYIT,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`remained
`
`under
`
`its direct
`
`supervision,
`
`employ,
`
`and/or
`
`control.
`
`Page
`
`3 of 21
`
`3 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`JURISDICTION
`
`AND VENUE
`
`14.
`
`This
`
`action
`
`is brought
`
`pursuant
`
`to the Child
`
`Victims
`
`Act
`
`("CVA").
`
`See CPLR
`
`§
`
`214-g
`
`and
`
`22
`
`NYCRR
`
`202.72;
`
`as
`
`it
`
`alleges
`
`physical,
`
`psychological,
`
`and
`
`emotional
`
`injuries/damages
`
`suffered
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`conduct
`
`âgainst
`
`a minor
`
`child
`
`that
`
`constitutes
`
`one
`
`or more
`
`sexual
`
`offenses
`
`as defined
`
`in Article
`
`130
`
`of
`
`the New York
`
`Penal
`
`Law.
`
`15.
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`has Personal
`
`Jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`Defendants
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`CPLR
`
`§§
`
`302
`
`and
`
`301
`
`as each
`
`Defendant
`
`is either
`
`present
`
`and
`
`domiciled
`
`in
`
`the
`
`State
`
`of New York,
`
`transacts
`
`or,
`
`at
`
`relevant
`
`times,
`
`transacted
`
`business
`
`within
`
`the
`
`state,
`
`and/or
`
`committed
`
`the
`
`tortious
`
`acts
`
`that
`
`give
`
`rise
`
`to the
`
`claims
`
`asserted
`
`herein
`
`within
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`16.
`
`Venue
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`lies
`
`in Nassau
`
`County
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR
`
`and
`
`504
`
`as
`
`the
`
`government-entity
`
`Defendants
`
`reside
`
`in Nassau
`
`County
`
`and
`
`have
`
`their
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of
`
`business
`
`located
`
`therein,
`
`and
`
`a substantial
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the
`
`events
`
`or omissions
`
`giving
`
`rise
`
`to this
`
`action
`
`occurred
`
`there.
`
`§§ 503
`
`FACTUAL
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`17.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`began
`
`attending
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`in the
`
`fall
`
`of
`
`1978.
`
`18.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`first
`
`met Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`in
`
`or
`
`around
`
`the winter
`
`of
`
`1979/1980,
`
`when
`
`East
`
`Ken
`
`Meadow
`
`H.S.'s
`
`track
`
`coach,
`
`Sicoli
`
`("Sicoli")
`
`asked
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`to assist
`
`the
`
`track
`
`team
`
`at a
`
`track
`
`clinic
`
`held
`
`at
`
`the
`
`school.
`
`At
`
`the time,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`16 years
`
`old
`
`and
`
`a high
`
`school
`
`junior.
`
`19.
`
`During
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`junior
`
`year, Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`began
`
`taking
`
`a keen
`
`interest
`
`in Plaintiff
`
`and became
`
`increasingly
`
`flirtatious
`
`with
`
`her
`
`and began
`
`grooming
`
`her
`
`for
`
`sexual
`
`abuse.
`
`Page
`
`4 of 21
`
`4 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`20.
`
`That
`
`year,
`
`Sicoli,
`
`advised
`
`and permitted
`
`Plaintiffto
`
`practice
`
`almost
`
`exclusively
`
`with
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`and NYIT
`
`men's
`
`track
`
`teaml
`
`instead
`
`of with
`
`the East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`track
`
`team2.
`
`After
`
`school,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`transported
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`to NYIT
`
`and
`
`then
`
`back
`
`home
`
`on
`
`a regular
`
`basis.
`
`During
`
`these
`
`car
`
`rides,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`held
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`hand
`
`and
`
`told
`
`her
`
`that
`
`he loved
`
`her.
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`also
`
`took
`
`21.
`
`During
`
`this
`
`time
`
`period,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`various
`
`NYIT
`
`track
`
`competitions
`
`where
`
`he took
`
`her
`
`out
`
`to eat and plied
`
`her with
`
`wine.
`
`22.
`
`On May
`
`31,
`
`1980,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`won
`
`the
`
`Nassau
`
`County
`
`Track
`
`Championship.
`
`Subsequently,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`was
`
`interviewed
`
`by Newsday
`
`about
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`championship
`
`where
`
`he
`
`stated
`
`that
`
`he "saw
`
`this
`
`cute
`
`girl
`
`and
`
`asked
`
`her
`
`to be[his]
`
`guinea
`
`pig."
`
`23.
`
`Later
`
`that month,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`wrote
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a love
`
`letter
`
`"[T]he
`
`strength
`
`of my
`
`fondness
`
`for
`
`you
`
`grows,
`
`as you
`
`grow:
`
`(you['re]
`
`net
`
`just
`
`a "16
`
`yr old
`
`kid"!)
`
`Like
`
`it or not
`
`you
`
`are a young
`
`wom[ain
`
`...
`
`intelligent,
`
`incredibly
`
`attractive,
`
`etc,
`
`etc
`
`(and
`
`those
`
`are
`
`your
`
`bad
`
`points!)
`
`Anyway,
`
`hopefully
`
`the
`
`dialogue
`
`has only
`
`just
`
`beg[u]n."
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`telling
`
`her,
`
`24.
`
`In
`
`June
`
`of
`
`1980,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`attended
`
`the East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`sports
`
`dinner
`
`banquet
`
`Zinno.
`
`After
`
`the
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`offered
`
`to drive
`
`Plaintiff
`
`with
`
`Mr.
`
`banquette,
`
`home.
`
`This
`
`occurred
`
`in
`
`front
`
`of
`
`teachers
`
`and
`
`students.
`
`On his way
`
`to
`
`drive
`
`Plaintiff
`
`home,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`parked
`
`at Maria
`
`Regina
`
`High
`
`School
`
`where
`
`he
`
`engaged
`
`in
`
`sexual
`
`intercourse
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff
`
`without
`
`her
`
`legal
`
`'
`
`2
`
`At
`
`the time, NYIT
`
`did not have
`
`a women's
`
`track
`
`team.
`
`During
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`senior
`
`year, East Meadow
`
`H.S.'s
`
`women's
`
`track
`
`coach,
`
`Charles
`
`Dinkermeyer
`
`also
`
`advised
`
`Plaintiff
`
`of
`
`the same.
`
`Page
`
`5 of 21
`
`5 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`consent
`
`in violation
`
`of New York
`
`Penal
`
`Law Article
`
`130.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`16 years
`
`old
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time.
`
`This
`
`was Plaintiff's
`
`first
`
`sexual
`
`experience.
`
`25.
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`continued
`
`to abuse
`
`Plaintiff
`
`throughout
`
`her
`
`junior
`
`and
`
`senior
`
`year.
`
`The
`
`abuse
`
`included
`
`multiple
`
`instances
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`intercourse
`
`and
`
`occurred
`
`in
`
`various
`
`locations,
`
`including
`
`most
`
`disturbingly,
`
`on East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`and NYIT
`
`property.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Senior
`
`the Defendants
`
`allowed
`
`Mr.
`
`to remove
`
`26.
`
`Throughout
`
`year,
`
`Zinno
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`her
`
`last
`
`period
`
`class
`
`and
`
`transport
`
`her
`
`from
`
`school
`
`to NYIT
`
`and
`
`back
`
`home.
`
`This
`
`occurred
`
`on
`
`a regular
`
`basis. While
`
`transporting
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`East Meadow
`
`to NYIT,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`would
`
`park
`
`his
`
`car
`
`on the
`
`street
`
`in Old Westbury
`
`and
`
`have
`
`sexual
`
`intercourse
`
`and
`
`oral
`
`sex with
`
`Plaintiff
`
`in the front
`
`seat ofhis
`
`car. Upon
`
`information
`
`and belief,
`
`several
`
`of
`
`these
`
`incidents
`
`occurred
`
`still
`
`16 years
`
`old.
`
`while
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`27.
`
`During
`
`the
`
`1980 men's
`
`fall
`
`cross-country
`
`season,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`who
`
`does
`
`not
`
`run
`
`cross-
`
`country,
`
`also
`
`traveled
`
`with Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`and
`
`the NYIT
`
`men's
`
`cross-country
`
`team to their
`
`out-of-state
`
`meets.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`the
`
`only
`
`female
`
`traveling
`
`with
`
`the
`
`team. NYIT
`
`trainer,
`
`David
`
`Markowitz
`
`was
`
`also
`
`present
`
`during
`
`these
`
`trips.
`
`28.
`
`On these
`
`trips,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`took
`
`Plaintiff
`
`out
`
`to eat alone,
`
`supplied
`
`her with
`
`alcohol,
`
`and
`
`and
`
`had
`
`intercourse
`
`with
`
`her
`
`in her
`
`hotel
`
`room.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`belief,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`paid
`
`for
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`hotel
`
`room,
`
`food,
`
`and
`
`alcohol
`
`using
`
`NYIT's
`
`expense
`
`account.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`16 years
`
`old
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time.
`
`29.
`
`During
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`senior
`
`year
`
`of high
`
`school,
`
`Zinno
`
`also
`
`entered
`
`NYIT's
`
`women's
`
`locker
`
`room
`
`and
`
`had
`
`intercourse
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`Page
`
`6 of 21
`
`6 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`30.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`had
`
`the
`
`responsibility
`
`to
`
`supervise
`
`and/or
`
`direct
`
`its
`
`employees
`
`and/or
`
`agents
`
`serving
`
`at
`
`the
`
`school,
`
`and
`
`specifically,
`
`had
`
`a
`
`duty
`
`not
`
`to aid
`
`individuals
`
`such
`
`as Mr.
`
`Zinno,
`
`by
`
`assigning,
`
`maintaining
`
`and/or
`
`appointing
`
`him to
`
`a position
`
`with
`
`access
`
`to minors.
`
`31.
`
`By
`
`holding
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`out
`
`as
`
`safe
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`children
`
`and,
`
`by
`
`undertaking
`
`the
`
`the School
`
`East Meadow
`
`custody,
`
`supervision
`
`of,
`
`and/or
`
`care
`
`of
`
`the minor
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`both
`
`District,
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`a fiduciary
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`being
`
`a
`
`minor,
`
`and
`
`by
`
`undertaking
`
`the
`
`care
`
`and
`
`guidance
`
`of a vulnerable
`
`minor,
`
`the School
`
`District,
`
`East
`
`Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`held
`
`a position
`
`of power
`
`over
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`32.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`had
`
`a special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`and NYIT
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`of
`
`33.
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`a duty
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`because
`
`they
`
`knew
`
`or
`
`reasonably
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`about
`
`the risk
`
`that Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`posed
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`the risk
`
`of abuse
`
`generally
`
`in their
`
`programs,
`
`and/or
`
`the
`
`risks
`
`that
`
`their
`
`facilities
`
`posed
`
`to minor
`
`children.
`
`34.
`
`Furthermore,
`
`the School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a
`
`duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`because
`
`it solicited
`
`youth
`
`and parent(s)
`
`and/or
`
`guardian(s)
`
`for
`
`participation
`
`youth
`
`and
`
`and/or
`
`to
`
`the
`
`youth
`
`in
`
`its
`
`youth
`
`programs;
`
`encouraged
`
`parent(s)
`
`guardian(s)
`
`have
`
`participate
`
`in its programs;
`
`undertook
`
`custody
`
`of minor
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff;
`
`promoted
`
`its
`
`facilities
`
`and
`
`programs
`
`as being
`
`safe
`
`for
`
`children;
`
`held
`
`its agents,
`
`including
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno,
`
`out
`
`as safe
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`children;
`
`encouraged
`
`parent(s)
`
`and/or
`
`guardian(s)
`
`and
`
`children
`
`to spend
`
`time
`
`with
`
`its
`
`agents;
`
`and/or
`
`encouraged
`
`its
`
`agents,
`
`including
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno,
`
`to spend
`
`time
`
`with,
`
`interact
`
`with,
`
`and
`
`Page
`
`7 of 21
`
`7 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`recruit
`
`children.
`
`35.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`harm because
`
`their
`
`actions
`
`and/or
`
`inactions
`
`regarding
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno's
`
`hiring,
`
`retention,
`
`and
`
`supervision,
`
`created
`
`a foreseeable
`
`risk
`
`of harm
`
`to Plaintiff.
`
`36.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`relevant
`
`and material
`
`hereto,
`
`the Defendants
`
`were
`
`responsible
`
`and/or
`
`liable
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno's
`
`actions,
`
`including
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to respondeat
`
`superior.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`and NYIT
`
`knew
`
`and/or
`
`37.
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`reasonably
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known,
`
`and/or
`
`knowingly
`
`condoned,
`
`and/or
`
`covered
`
`up,
`
`the
`
`inappropriate
`
`and
`
`unlawful
`
`sexual
`
`activities
`
`of Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`who
`
`sexually
`
`abused
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`38.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT's
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`their
`
`duties
`
`include,
`
`but
`
`are
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to:
`
`failing
`
`to have
`
`sufficient
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`implement
`
`the
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse,
`
`failing
`
`to properly
`
`abuse,
`
`failing
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`measures
`
`to make
`
`sure
`
`that
`
`the
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`were
`
`working,
`
`failing
`
`to adequately
`
`inform
`
`families
`
`and
`
`children
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risks
`
`of
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse,
`
`failing
`
`to investigate
`
`risks
`
`of
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse,
`
`failing
`
`to properly
`
`train
`
`the workers
`
`at
`
`institutions
`
`and programs
`
`within
`
`the school,
`
`failing
`
`to protect
`
`children
`
`in its programs
`
`from
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`of
`
`care
`
`for
`
`abuse,
`
`failing
`
`to adhere
`
`to the
`
`applicable
`
`standard
`
`child
`
`safety,
`
`misrepresenting
`
`the
`
`institutions,
`
`programs,
`
`leaders,
`
`and
`
`staff
`
`as safe,
`
`failing
`
`to train
`
`their
`
`employees
`
`properly
`
`to
`
`identify
`
`signs
`
`of
`
`child
`
`molestation
`
`by
`
`fellow
`
`employees.
`
`39.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`also
`
`breached
`
`their
`
`duties
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and Plaintiff's
`
`family
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`that Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`posed
`
`and
`
`the
`
`Page
`
`8 of 21
`
`8 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`risks
`
`of
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`by
`
`their
`
`employees
`
`and/or
`
`agents.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`also
`
`failed
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiff
`
`about
`
`any
`
`of
`
`the
`
`knowledge
`
`that
`
`they
`
`had
`
`about
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse.
`
`40.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT
`
`also
`
`violated
`
`a legal
`
`duty
`
`by
`
`and/or
`
`abuse
`
`of
`
`children
`
`Zinno
`
`failing
`
`to report
`
`known
`
`suspected
`
`by Mr.
`
`and
`
`its other
`
`employees
`
`to
`
`the
`
`police,
`
`law
`
`enforcement,
`
`and/or
`
`the New
`
`York
`
`State
`
`Education
`
`Department
`
`during
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`period.
`
`41.
`
`By
`
`employing
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`at
`
`the
`
`school,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`facilities
`
`under
`
`its
`
`supervision,
`
`the School
`
`District,
`
`East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`and NYIT,
`
`through
`
`its agents,
`
`affirmatively
`
`represented
`
`to
`
`Zinno
`
`did
`
`not
`
`pose
`
`a threat
`
`minor
`
`children
`
`and
`
`their
`
`families
`
`that Mr.
`
`to
`
`children,
`
`students
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and Plaintiff's
`
`family
`
`were
`
`induced
`
`to rely
`
`on these
`
`affirmations
`
`and
`
`did
`
`rely
`
`on them.
`
`WE FOLLOWING
`FREE SCHOOL
`UNION
`H.S.
`DISTRICT.
`NEW YORK INSTITUTE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`CAUSES
`
`DEFENDANTS'
`
`EAST MEADOW
`ARE AS TO
`EAST MEADOW H.S. HIGH SCHOOL,
`OF TECHNOLOGY
`
`AND
`
`CAUSES
`
`OF ACTION
`
`FIRST
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION:
`
`NEGLIGEN_CE
`
`42.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and re-alleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the preceding
`
`paragraphs.
`
`43.
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`steps
`
`to protect
`
`from
`
`a duty
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`a child,
`
`foreseeable
`
`harm
`
`when
`
`she was
`
`under
`
`their
`
`supervision
`
`and
`
`in their
`
`care,
`
`custody,
`
`and
`
`control.
`
`44.
`
`Defendants
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a
`
`duty
`
`of
`
`care
`
`because
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`a
`
`special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`who
`
`was
`
`a student
`
`at East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`and practiced
`
`and
`
`traveled
`
`with
`
`NYIT
`
`and
`
`established
`
`an in loco
`
`parentis
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`the Plaintiff.
`
`Page
`
`9 of 21
`
`9 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`45.
`
`Defendants
`
`also
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`arising
`
`from
`
`the
`
`special
`
`relationship
`
`that
`
`existed
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`s parents,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`parents
`
`of
`
`young,
`
`innocent,
`
`vulnerable
`
`children
`
`in East
`
`Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`and NYIT.
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to properly
`
`train
`
`and
`
`supervise
`
`its
`
`employees.
`
`This
`
`special
`
`relationship
`
`arose
`
`because
`
`of
`
`the
`
`high
`
`degree
`
`of
`
`vulnerability
`
`of
`
`the
`
`children
`
`entrusted
`
`to
`
`high
`
`and
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`their
`
`care.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`this
`
`degree
`
`of vulnerability
`
`abuse
`
`inherent
`
`in such
`
`a special
`
`relationship,
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to establish
`
`measures
`
`of protection
`
`not
`
`necessary
`
`for
`
`persons
`
`who
`
`are older
`
`and
`
`better
`
`able
`
`to safeguard
`
`themselves.
`
`46.
`
`Defendants
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`to protect
`
`her
`
`from
`
`harm because
`
`the Defendants
`
`had
`
`a special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`the
`
`employees.
`
`47.
`
`Defendants
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`because
`
`they
`
`solicited
`
`youths
`
`in their
`
`school
`
`and
`
`parents
`
`for
`
`participation
`
`and
`
`its programs;
`
`encouraged
`
`youths
`
`and
`
`parents
`
`to
`
`have
`
`the youth
`
`attend
`
`the
`
`school
`
`and its programs;
`
`undertook
`
`custody
`
`of minor
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff;
`
`promoted
`
`their
`
`school
`
`and
`
`employees
`
`as being
`
`safe
`
`for
`
`children;
`
`held
`
`their
`
`agents
`
`out
`
`as
`
`safe
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`children;
`
`encouraged
`
`parents
`
`and
`
`children
`
`to spend
`
`time
`
`with
`
`their
`
`agents;
`
`and/or
`
`encouraged
`
`their
`
`Mr.
`
`to
`
`spend
`
`time
`
`interact
`
`with
`
`educate
`
`agents,
`
`including
`
`Zinno,
`
`with,
`
`and
`
`children.
`
`48.
`
`Defendants
`
`also
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`steps
`
`to prevent
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`from using
`
`the tasks,
`
`premises,
`
`and
`
`instrumentalities
`
`ofhis
`
`position
`
`with
`
`the Defendants
`
`to target
`
`and
`
`sexually
`
`abuse
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`49.
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`steps
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`while
`
`she was
`
`a
`
`student
`
`and
`
`athlete,
`
`and was
`
`under
`
`Defendants'
`
`supervision,
`
`care,
`
`custody,
`
`and
`
`control.
`
`Page
`
`10 of 21
`
`10 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`50.
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`an express
`
`and/or
`
`implied
`
`duty
`
`to properly
`
`supervise
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`provide
`
`a reasonably
`
`safe
`
`environment
`
`for
`
`children
`
`who
`
`participated
`
`in the
`
`schools'
`
`activities.
`
`51.
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to exercise
`
`the
`
`same
`
`degree
`
`of
`
`care
`
`over minors
`
`under
`
`their
`
`control
`
`as a reasonably
`
`prudent
`
`person
`
`would
`
`have
`
`exercised
`
`under
`
`similar
`
`circumstances.
`
`52.
`
`It was
`
`reasonably
`
`foreseeable
`
`that
`
`Defendants'
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`these
`
`duties
`
`of care would
`
`result
`
`in the
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`others.
`
`duties
`
`53.
`
`Each
`
`Defendant
`
`breached
`
`its
`
`to Plaintiff.
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to use
`
`ordinary
`
`care
`
`in
`
`determining
`
`whether
`
`their
`
`facilities
`
`were
`
`safe
`
`and/or
`
`determining
`
`whether
`
`they
`
`had
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to
`
`represent
`
`their
`
`facilities
`
`as
`
`safe.
`
`Defendants'
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`their
`
`duties
`
`include,
`
`but
`
`are
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to:
`
`failure
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`a known
`
`danger,
`
`failure
`
`to have
`
`sufficient
`
`policies
`
`and procedures
`
`in place
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sex abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to properly
`
`implement
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`failure
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`abuse,
`
`measures
`
`to ensure
`
`that
`
`policies
`
`and procedures
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`abuse
`
`were
`
`working,
`
`failure
`
`to adequately
`
`inform
`
`families
`
`and children
`
`of
`
`the risks
`
`of child
`
`sex abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to investigate
`
`risks
`
`of child molestation,
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`properly
`
`train
`
`the
`
`employees
`
`at
`
`institutions
`
`and
`
`programs
`
`within
`
`Defendants'
`
`geographical
`
`confines,
`
`failure
`
`to train
`
`the minors
`
`within
`
`Defendants'
`
`geographical
`
`confines
`
`about
`
`the
`
`dangers
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`by
`
`teachers,
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`have
`
`any
`
`outside
`
`agency
`
`test
`
`their
`
`safety
`
`from
`
`procedures,
`
`failure
`
`to protect
`
`the
`
`children
`
`in their
`
`programs
`
`child
`
`sex abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to adhere
`
`to the
`
`applicable
`
`standard
`
`of
`
`care
`
`for
`
`child
`
`safety,
`
`failure
`
`to investigate
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`and
`
`type
`
`of
`
`information
`
`necessary
`
`to represent
`
`the
`
`institutions,
`
`programs,
`
`leaders
`
`and people
`
`as safe,
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`train
`
`their
`
`employees
`
`properly
`
`to identify
`
`signs
`
`of
`
`child
`
`molestation
`
`by
`
`fellow
`
`employees,
`
`failure
`
`by
`
`relying
`
`upon mental
`
`health
`
`professionals,
`
`and/or
`
`failure
`
`by
`
`relying
`
`on people
`
`who
`
`claimed
`
`that
`
`Page
`
`11 of 21
`
`11 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`they
`
`could
`
`treat
`
`child
`
`molesters.
`
`54.
`
`Defendants
`
`also
`
`breached
`
`their
`
`duty
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`family
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`that
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`posed
`
`and
`
`the
`
`risks
`
`of
`
`child
`
`abuse
`
`in
`
`schools.
`
`Defendants
`
`also
`
`failed
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`family
`
`about
`
`any
`
`of
`
`the
`
`knowledge
`
`that
`
`sexual
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`that
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`about
`
`child
`
`abuse,
`
`including
`
`was
`
`occurring
`
`or
`
`had
`
`occurred
`
`within
`
`the School
`
`District.
`
`55.
`
`Defendants
`
`additionally
`
`violated
`
`a legal
`
`duty
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`report
`
`known
`
`and/or
`
`suspected
`
`abuse
`
`of
`
`children
`
`by Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`and/or
`
`its
`
`other
`
`agents
`
`to the
`
`police,
`
`law
`
`enforcement,
`
`and/or
`
`the New York
`
`State
`
`Education
`
`Department.
`
`56.
`
`As a direct
`
`and proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`acts
`
`and
`
`which
`
`but
`
`were
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to
`
`negligent
`
`and/or
`
`grossly
`
`negligent
`
`conduct,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`groomed
`
`and
`
`sexually
`
`abused
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`her
`
`to
`
`suffer
`
`severe
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`as described
`
`herein,
`
`including,
`
`but
`
`not
`
`limited
`
`to, mental
`
`and
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`physical
`
`injuries,
`
`despair
`
`and
`
`omissions,
`
`included
`
`shame.
`
`57.
`
`The
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`resulting
`
`injuries
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`solely
`
`and wholly
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`negligent
`
`failures
`
`of
`
`the Defendants.
`
`NEGLIGENT
`
`HIRING.
`
`RETENTION,
`
`SUPERVISION,
`
`AND TRAINING
`
`SECOND
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION:
`
`58.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`re-alleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the preceding
`
`paragraphs.
`
`59.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`by Defendants
`
`and was
`
`under
`
`the
`
`Defendant's
`
`direct
`
`supervision,
`
`employ,
`
`and
`
`control
`
`when
`
`he committed
`
`the unlawful
`
`acts
`
`alleged
`
`Page
`
`12 of 21
`
`12 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`herein.
`
`60.
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`would
`
`not
`
`and
`
`could
`
`not
`
`have
`
`been
`
`in
`
`a position
`
`to
`
`sexually
`
`abuse
`
`Plaintiff
`
`had
`
`he not
`
`been
`
`hired
`
`by
`
`the Defendants
`
`as an employee,
`
`mentor
`
`and/or
`
`counselor
`
`to
`
`students
`
`in the
`
`school,
`
`including
`
`the Plaintiff.
`
`61.
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`engaged
`
`in the wrongful
`
`conduct
`
`while
`
`acting
`
`in the
`
`course
`
`and
`
`scope
`
`of
`
`with
`
`Defendants
`
`and/or
`
`accomplished
`
`the sexual
`
`abuse
`
`virtue
`
`of his job-created
`
`his
`
`employment
`
`by
`
`authority
`
`over
`
`and
`
`access
`
`to Plaintiff.
`
`62.
`
`Through
`
`the
`
`exercise
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`diligence,
`
`Defendants
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`of
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno's
`
`propensity
`
`for
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse.
`
`63.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to
`
`exercise
`
`due
`
`care
`
`in
`
`hiring,
`
`appointing,
`
`assigning,
`
`retention,
`
`supervision,
`
`training,
`
`and directing
`
`of Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`, to protect
`
`minor
`
`come
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`and/or
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`who
`
`were
`
`likely
`
`to
`
`him,
`
`under
`
`his
`
`influence
`
`or supervision,
`
`and
`
`to ensure
`
`that Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`did
`
`not
`
`use this
`
`assigned
`
`position
`
`to injure
`
`minors
`
`by
`
`sexual
`
`assault,
`
`contact,
`
`or abuse.
`
`64.
`
`Defendants
`
`were
`
`negligent
`
`and
`
`did
`
`not
`
`use
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`in their
`
`training
`
`of
`
`its
`
`teachers
`
`and/or
`
`adult
`
`staff
`
`about
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`in their
`
`school,
`
`signs
`
`of abuse,
`
`and
`
`their
`
`duty
`
`to report
`
`any
`
`suspicion
`
`that
`
`a minor
`
`may
`
`be getting
`
`abused,
`
`maltreated,
`
`groomed,
`
`or
`
`otherwise
`
`sexually
`
`abused.
`
`to identify
`
`65.
`
`The
`
`School
`
`District
`
`was
`
`negligent
`
`and
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`use
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`in
`
`hiring,
`
`appointing,
`
`assigning,
`
`and
`
`retention,
`
`of Mr.
`
`Zinno,
`
`failed
`
`to properly
`
`investigate
`
`his
`
`background
`
`and
`
`employment
`
`history,
`
`and/or
`
`hired,
`
`appointed
`
`and/or
`
`assigned
`
`him to the East Meadow
`
`H.S.,
`
`Page
`
`13 of 21
`
`13 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`when
`
`Defendants
`
`knew
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`he was
`
`a danger
`
`to children.
`
`66.
`
`NYIT
`
`was
`
`negligent
`
`and
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`use
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`in
`
`hiring,
`
`appointing,
`
`assigning,
`
`and
`
`retention,
`
`of Mr.
`
`Zinno,
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`properly
`
`investigate
`
`his
`
`background
`
`and
`
`employment
`
`history,
`
`and/or
`
`hired,
`
`appointed
`
`and/or
`
`assigned
`
`him,
`
`when
`
`Defendants
`
`knew
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`he was
`
`a danger
`
`to children.
`
`a position
`
`where
`
`he
`
`67.
`
`Defendants
`
`negligently
`
`retained
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`in
`
`had
`
`access
`
`to
`
`children
`
`and
`
`could
`
`foreseeably
`
`cause
`
`harm,
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`been
`
`subjected
`
`to if
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`taken
`
`reasonable
`
`care.
`
`68.
`
`In failing
`
`to timely
`
`remove
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`from
`
`working
`
`with
`
`children
`
`or
`
`terminate
`
`his
`
`employment,
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`exercise
`
`the
`
`degree
`
`of
`
`care
`
`that
`
`a reasonably
`
`prudent
`
`person
`
`exercise
`
`under
`
`similar
`
`circumstances.
`
`would
`
`69.
`
`Defendants
`
`also
`
`had
`
`duties
`
`arising
`
`from
`
`their
`
`special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`parents,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`parents
`
`of young,
`
`innocent,
`
`and vulnerable
`
`children
`
`of East Meadow
`
`H.S.
`
`and NYIT
`
`to properly
`
`train
`
`and
`
`supervise
`
`its
`
`teachers
`
`and
`
`staff.
`
`These
`
`special
`
`relationships
`
`arose
`
`from
`
`the
`
`high
`
`degree
`
`of vulnerability
`
`of
`
`the
`
`children
`
`entrusted
`
`to their
`
`care.
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`measures
`
`of protection
`
`not
`
`for
`
`persons
`
`who
`
`are older
`
`and
`
`better
`
`able
`
`a duty
`
`to establish
`
`necessary
`
`to safeguard
`
`themselves.
`
`70.
`
`Defendants
`
`were
`
`negligent
`
`and
`
`did
`
`not
`
`use reasonable
`
`care
`
`in their
`
`supervision
`
`and
`
`direction
`
`of Mr.
`
`Zinno,
`
`failed
`
`to monitor
`
`his
`
`activities,
`
`failed
`
`to oversee
`
`the manner
`
`in which
`
`he
`
`carried
`
`out
`
`the
`
`duties
`
`to which
`
`Defendants
`
`assigned
`
`him,
`
`even
`
`though
`
`they
`
`knew
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`he posed
`
`a threat
`
`of
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`to minors;
`
`allowed
`
`the misconduct
`
`described
`
`above
`
`Page
`
`14 of 21
`
`14 of 21
`
`

`

`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 03/31/2022 02:51 PM
`FILED: NASSAU COUNTY CLERK 08/11/2021 12:27 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 2
`
`INDEX NO. 604266/2022
`INDEX NO. 900299/2021
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/31/2022
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/11/2021
`
`to occur;
`
`failed
`
`to investigate
`
`his
`
`dangerous
`
`activities
`
`and
`
`remove
`
`him
`
`from
`
`their
`
`premises;
`
`and
`
`were
`
`otherwise
`
`negligent.
`
`71.
`
`Defendants
`
`were
`
`additionally
`
`negligent
`
`in
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`supervise,
`
`monitor,
`
`and/or
`
`investigate
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`and/or
`
`in failing
`
`to create,
`
`institute
`
`and
`
`enforce
`
`policies,
`
`rules,
`
`procedures,
`
`and
`
`regulations
`
`to prevent
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno's
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`of Plaintiff.
`
`In failing
`
`to properly
`
`supervise
`
`establish
`
`such
`
`programs
`
`and
`
`Mr.
`
`Zinno
`
`and
`
`in
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`training
`
`procedures
`
`and
`
`poli