A teacher at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village was taken into custody on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student. The arrest of 53-year-old Brian Greenspan took place around 1:20 p.m. following a report made by a student to a peer about an incident that occurred several months prior.
The allegations involve an incident from December 2024, during which a 15-year-old female student reported that Greenspan had interacted with her while she was seated at her desk. It was said that he instructed her to sit down, and there are claims of inappropriate behavior that are currently under investigation. The matter came to light when the student shared her experience with a friend, prompting further action from the school administration, which subsequently contacted law enforcement.
As this deeply concerning story unfolds, it is crucial to remember that Brian Greenspan, despite his arrest by the NYPD, has not been convicted or proven guilty of the charges against him. Under New York State law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 1 The NYPD’s arrest indicates they found probable cause to believe a crime occurred, and the case will now likely proceed to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether to file formal charges and present evidence in court.
Throughout this process, it is also vital to acknowledge the vulnerability of the alleged 15-year-old victim and ensure her well-being is prioritized. Separately, Martin Van Buren High School likely has its own administrative procedures for addressing such allegations. Community members are reminded of the importance of allowing the judicial system to address these serious matters fairly and thoroughly, respecting the presumption of innocence while remaining mindful of the sensitive nature of the accusations.”
1 Source: Exploring the presumption of innocence in New York criminal cases