Former Canandaigua Substitute Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Endangerment
A former substitute teacher for the Canandaigua City School District will avoid jail time after pleading guilty to charges stemming from inappropriate digital communications with students. Michael Thompson, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office.
Details of the Incident
The charges follow an investigation by the Canandaigua Police Department, which revealed that between November and December 2025, Thompson used Snapchat to send inappropriate photos and messages to two underage students. The police arrested Thompson on December 17, 2025, initiating a legal process that concluded with the recent guilty plea.
School District Response and Employment History
The Canandaigua City School District acted quickly to remove Thompson from its substitute list immediately after charges were filed. In statements regarding his tenure, the district clarified that Thompson’s involvement with the schools was limited:
- Instructional Role: He worked a “limited number of days” as a substitute teacher at the middle and high school levels during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
- Coaching Role: He served briefly as a volunteer coach for the modified boys’ lacrosse season and the 2024-25 winter indoor track season, attending no more than two practices for each.
Legal Outcome and Sentencing
While police initially indicated that further charges were pending, no additional charges were presented. Thompson is now scheduled for sentencing on June 5, where he is expected to receive one year of interim probation. This agreement ensures he will avoid incarceration.
Key Takeaways: Digital Boundaries in Education
- Immediate Action: School districts typically maintain zero-tolerance policies for inappropriate contact between staff and students, leading to immediate removal from employment lists upon filing of charges.
- Platform Risks: The use of ephemeral messaging apps like Snapchat can create perceived privacy that may lead to boundary violations in professional-student relationships.
- Legal Precedent: Endangering the welfare of a child is a serious charge that can lead to significant legal restrictions, even when jail time is avoided through probation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the specific charges against Michael Thompson?
Thompson pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
When is the sentencing date?
The sentencing is scheduled for June 5, with a projected sentence of one year of interim probation.
How did the school district handle the situation?
The district removed Thompson from the substitute teacher list immediately after the charges were filed.
This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining professional boundaries in the digital age and the role of law enforcement and school administration in protecting underage students from misconduct.