A Pine Bush Central School District social worker was arrested on June 1 after police say she kissed a 14-year-old student assigned to her caseload and provided him with marijuana. The worker, identified in public filings as Gina M. Modafferi, has denied the allegations as the case moves through the courts.
Allegations and investigation
Town of Crawford police say the alleged conduct took place between Dec. 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. During that period, according to investigators, the social worker allegedly kissed the student multiple times, supplied vape pens and marijuana, and smoked with him roughly 10 to 20 times. She was arrested June 1 and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, as reported by News 12.
School listing and role
The Pine Bush Central School District’s public staff pages list a "Gina Modafferi-Capucilli" as a school social worker, confirming she had worked in the district. The district directory places the high school and district office on Route 302 in Pine Bush, where families and staff have recently raised concerns about student substance use and safety. See the district listing on the Pine Bush Central School District site.
District response and court status
In a letter to the school community, Superintendent Joseph Lenz said Modafferi resigned effective April 10 and that the district is developing an anti-fraternization policy and reviewing communications protocols for staff. Modafferi entered a plea of not guilty, was arraigned through Orange County’s centralized arraignment process, released without bail and had an order of protection issued. She is scheduled to appear in Crawford Town Court on June 18, according to News 12.
Legal context
The charge, endangering the welfare of a child, is codified at New York Penal Law §260.10 and is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Under New York law a Class A misdemeanor can carry up to one year in jail and fines, and convictions often carry collateral consequences for people who work with youth. For more on the statute and its penalties, see the New York State Senate and FindLaw.
