William Bassell, the longtime principal of the Academy of American Studies in Astoria, has struck a deal with Queens prosecutors that could wipe out criminal sexual-abuse and forcible-touching counts if he resigns and completes a sex-offender treatment program. The conditional arrangement, disclosed this week, has left accusers and community members outraged and has reopened questions about how misconduct by school leaders is handled.
The agreement would allow prosecutors to drop the counts if Bassell follows through on the resignation and treatment requirements, according to Gothamist. Queens District Attorney spokesman Brendan Brosh said prosecutors reached the resolution after reviewing the facts and talking with the alleged victims, and warned, "If the defendant fails to complete the required treatment in full, he will face trial." Bassell’s attorney declined to comment.
What plaintiffs allege in federal complaint
Five women, including a former student, have filed a federal lawsuit accusing Bassell of using his position "to sexually harass, degrade, and assault female staff and students" for more than a decade, and the complaint lists specific episodes including an alleged groping during a Metropolitan Opera field trip. Those claims are laid out in the federal complaint; see the court filing for details. The civil case will continue regardless of what happens with the criminal deal.
DOE and community response
The Department of Education moved Bassell away from student duties when the allegations surfaced, and parents demanded answers at a June 2025 meeting, according to ABC7 New York. Hoodline previously reported on the arrest and the ensuing community meeting; see Queens High School Principal Charged.
Plaintiffs' attorney Amy Robinson called Bassell’s removal "an important and long overdue first step towards accountability and healing," and former student Khiabet Leal said the idea that Bassell could keep a pension "makes my blood boil," according to Gothamist. The complaint also recounts that colleagues allegedly nicknamed him "Creepy Bill" and describes repeated unwanted texts and touching.
Legal implications
Even if prosecutors conditionally pause the criminal case under this agreement, the federal civil suit remains active and could result in monetary damages or administrative consequences for the DOE, including renewed scrutiny of personnel decisions and pension questions. Earlier reporting traced the criminal arrest, the overlapping civil claims, and the debate over whether city taxpayers could ultimately bear financial responsibility; see coverage by the Daily News. Plaintiffs say they will continue to pursue their civil case while prosecutors retain the option to bring the criminal charges back if program requirements are not met.
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