BUFFALO N.Y. -- Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) is facing renewed scrutiny as allegations of sexual abuse by educators and administrators continue to surface, revealing a disturbing pattern of inaction, secrecy, and legal settlements. What was once whispered among victims has now erupted into public awareness, with lawsuits, court documents, and survivor testimony laying bare systemic failures to protect students.

Below is a comprehensive review of known cases, settlements, and allegations tied to current and former BPS employees. These cases, many settled quietly through the Child Victims Act or other legal channels, suggest that institutional negligence—not isolated misconduct—is at the heart of this crisis.

1. Frederick D. Ganter – Former Principal, Lafayette High School
Allegations: Accused of sexually abusing a 16-17-year-old male student in the late 1980s, including in his school office.
Resolution: Lawsuit filed under the Child Victims Act in 2020. Ganter denied knowledge of the student and declined to comment further.

2. Gregory Johnson – Principal, School #54
Allegations: Accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old female student multiple times between November 2022 and May 2023, including on a school field trip.
Resolution: Placed on paid administrative leave; no further action or district transparency as of publication.

3. Mary Boblak – Former Teacher
Allegations: Named in multiple lawsuits alleging inappropriate sexual behavior with students during her tenure.
Resolution: Details of legal outcomes remain undisclosed.

4. Elmer Hinterberger – Physical Education Teacher, P.S. 56
Allegations: Accused of molesting several boys aged 12 to 15 in the 1970s.
Resolution: Three lawsuits were settled in August 2022. Hinterberger died in 2008.

5. Robert Sewast – Science Instructor, Emerson Vocational High School
Allegations: Allegedly molested a 14-year-old student multiple times per week starting in 1980.
Resolution: Settled in November 2022 for $80,000.

6. Frederick Speidel – Assistant Principal, P.S. 29
Allegations: Accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl in 1970.
Resolution: Case settled for $90,000.

7. Unnamed Swahili Teacher, Frederick Law Olmsted School #156
Allegations: Rape alleged by a former student at the teacher’s home in 1977.
Resolution: Case settled for $90,000.

8. Mr. Wyatt – Physical Education Teacher, P.S. 74 Hamlin Park School
Allegations: Accused of molesting a 5-year-old girl in 1963.
Resolution: Settled for $75,000.

9. Edward Harling – Physical Education Teacher, P.S. 8
Allegations: A woman alleged weekly sexual abuse during gym class between 1964 and 1966.
Resolution: Settled for $90,000.

In nearly every case, the district placed the accused on administrative leave (often paid), and refused to release details publicly. Many victims came forward only decades later, aided by the temporary legal window opened by the Child Victims Act. Settlements often included nondisclosure agreements, and the district rarely acknowledged wrongdoing.

Despite millions paid out and over a dozen victims stepping forward, Buffalo Public Schools has avoided meaningful policy reform or public reckoning. The district’s silence continues to fuel criticism from survivor advocates, police whistleblowers, and investigative journalists.

The lawsuit against Frederick D. Ganter, former principal of Lafayette High School, is currently ongoing. Filed under New York's Child Victims Act, the case alleges that Ganter sexually abused a student during the 1989–1990 school year, when the plaintiff was a 16- and 17-year-old sophomore. The abuse reportedly occurred on school grounds, including in Ganter's office. As of now, there has been no public settlement or court ruling in this case.

Ganter, who served as principal from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s, has denied the allegations, stating he did not recognize the name of the former student and declined to comment further. ​

The case remains active in Erie County Supreme Court, with motions and legal proceedings continuing. Given the legal complexities and the nature of the allegations, it may take time before a resolution is reached.

Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) is facing a growing crisis of sexual abuse allegations, which underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform. To break the cycle of neglect and secrecy, several critical changes are needed within the district.

First, transparency and accountability must be prioritized. BPS should be required to publicly report all abuse cases, investigations, and settlements, ensuring that the public has insight into how these cases are handled. Independent oversight bodies could ensure investigations are unbiased and thorough, building public trust. Along with this, school staff should undergo mandatory training on identifying and reporting abuse, with clear, accessible reporting mechanisms for students and parents.

A victim-centered approach is also crucial. Survivors need access to counseling, legal support, and opportunities for restorative justice, where they can share their experiences and influence policy changes. Additionally, non-disclosure agreements in settlements should be banned, as they often protect perpetrators and shield the district from accountability.

Finally, cultural and legal reforms are essential to shifting the focus back to student welfare. Advocating for stronger state-level legislation and extending the Child Victims Act would empower survivors to seek justice, even years after the abuse occurred. The district must foster a culture where abuse is not tolerated, and the safety of students is the top priority, not the reputation of the institution.

Buffalo Public Schools has a moral and legal obligation to its students. These cases reveal more than negligence—they suggest complicity through willful inaction. Until BPS reckons publicly with its past and commits to transparent, survivor-centered policies, its students remain at risk.

This article will continue to be updated as further cases, documents, or FOIL responses become available.

Mark Anthony Adams (40) 29038 State Rt.3 Lot 14 - Adam was arrested on the 1700 block of Huntington St in the city on an Bench Warrant issued by New York State Police. He was transported to taken into custody without incident and transfered to NYSP custody.

Kendra Marie Benedict (32) 25991 Liberty Ave 0 Benedict was stopped on the 400 block of S. Hamilton St in the city and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. She was transported to PSB  where she provided a breath sample of 0.07 BAC. She was processed and issued an apperance for City of Watertown Court.

Jessica Ruth Morrell (37) 1202 Superior St. Apt.# G3 - Morrell is charged by Police with Resisting Arrest. Reports state that she did intentionally attempt to prevent a police officers from the lawful arrest of John Lebo by positioning herself in front of Lebo and pushing a police officer away from Lebo while trying to arrest him. She was transported to PSB, processed, and released with an appearance ticket for city court.

John Charles Lebo Jr (53) 1202 Superior St. Apt# G3 - Lebo is charged with Resisting Arrest & Disorderly Conduct. Police reports state he threatened to subject two Watertown City police officers with unwanted physical contact by being aggressive towards the officers in a manner of yelling and stepping towards them while extending his arms out in a theatening manner. When placed under arrest, police say he straightened his arms and pulled them away to prevent himself from being placed in handcuffs. He was transported to PSB, processed and released with an apperance ticket.

John Charles Lebo Jr. (53) 1202 Superior St. Apt# G3 -  Lebo is charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Police state Lebo acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or morale welfare of a highly intoxicated 12 year old juvenile female (DOB 09-27-2012), when he failed to seek medical attention for said female upon learning she was intoxicated while in his care. He was transported to PSB, processed, and released with an appearance ticket for city court.

Jessica Ruth Morrell (37) 1202 Superior St. Apt# G3 - is charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Police state Morrell acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or morale welfare of a highly intoxicated 12 year old juvenile female (DOB 09-27-2012), when she failed to seek medical attention for said female upon learning she was intoxicated while in his care. She was transported to PSB, processed, and released with an appearance ticket for city court.

Albert Humphrey Michael Scott (26) 661 Factory St Apt.# 25 - Scott is charged by city police with Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree. Reports state that Scott, while having no right to do so, did intentionally damage a mailbox valued at less that $250.00, when he punched it, several times damaging it beyond repair. He was transported to PSB, processed and released with an appearance ticket.

Carrie Jo Barry (36) 9781 Railroad St, Castorland,N.Y. - Barry was stopped by city police on the 900 block of State St. and charged with Dwiving While Intoxicated, Operation of a Motor Vehicle with a BAC of .08% or 1% or greater, and Failure to Maintain Lane. She was transported to PSB, processed and provided a breath sample of 0.14 BAC, and issued three appearance tickets for Watertown City court.

Kahlil Keshawn Dawkins (22) 207 Wealtha Ave Apt.# 649C - Dawkins was stopped by city police on the 200 block of Gaffney Drive and charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. He was processed on scene and released with an appearance ticket for city court.

William Alyouis Koelmel (31) 109 Wyoming Ave - Koelmel is charged by city police with Harassment in the Second Degree. Reports state that he did knowingly subject the victim to unwanted physical contactby grabbing her by her shoulder and pushing her onto her bed. He was transported to PSB and issued a criminal summons to city court  on 05/25/25 at 10 am.

Henry Ray Carter ( 42) 535 Emerson St Apt.# Lower - Carter is charged with Petit Larceny & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Police reports state that Carter did possess 4 Steel Reserve Spiked Blue Razz 24oz beers valued at $4.20 and exited the Citgo at 610 State St. without paying for the items. Police say he was also found to be in possession of a white crystaline substance contained in a clear plastic baggie that tested positive for methamphetamine. He was transported to PSB, where he was processed and issued an apperance ticket.

Mark Anthony Adams (40) 29038 State Rt 3 Lot.# 14 -  Adams was arrested by City Police on a bench warrant issued by Watertown city court. He was held pending his arraignment.

Ryan Patrick Snyder (28) Homeless - Snyder was arrested by City Police on a bench warrant issued by Watertown city court. He was transported to PSB & held pending his arraignment.

Ryan Patrick Snyder (28) Homeless - Snyder is charged by City police with Burgulary in the Second Degree & Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree. Police say Snyder did knowingly and intentionally break down the front door and unlawfully enter the residence of 331 S Hamilton St. The approximate damage of the door was $500. He was transported to PSB, processed, & held pending arraignment.

Ethan Gerald McCabe (18) 1212 Superior St. Apt.# D4 - McCabe is charge by police with Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, & Harassment in the Second Degree. Reports state that McCabe did intentionally harass, annoy, or alarm his mother, Angel Ostrom, when her thre a PlayStation controller, with attached headset at her left knee, which left a red welt. Reports also state he threw a foldable dinner table at the living room ceiling causing damage to it, in the prescense of a 12 year old child. He was transported to PSB, processed, and held pending his arraignment.