Suffolk County Police today arrested a driving school instructor for allegedly showing pornography to three teenagers during a driving lesson in Smithtown.
After receiving a tip, Third Precinct Investigative Unit officers conducted an investigation into the activities of Mitchell Lerner, an employee of Defensive Driving School, located at 156 Wheeler Road in Central Islip. The investigation determined that, on December 22, while driving in Smithtown and instructing three 16-year-old males, Lerner allegedly showed the juveniles pornographic videos and images on a phone.
Lerner, 75, was arrested at his home, located at 8 Caxton Street in Melville, on January 11 at 3:28 p.m. and charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information or who believes they may have been a victim of this crime to call Third Precinct Investigative Unit officers at 631-854-8326.