Jun 24, 2008 7:39 pm US/Eastern
Graduating Senior Arrested For 'Mooning' Prank
Student's Tasteless Maneuver At Briarcliff High School Commencement Has Made Him 'Butt' Of Many Jokes
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. (CBS) ―
It's supposed to be a day to "reach for the stars." Instead, a Westchester County high school student decided to "shoot for the moon," dropping his pants as he went up to pick up his diploma.
As CBS 2 HD found out, he's now facing charges in a case that's sparking outrage.
Recent Briarcliff High School graduate Danielle Cornacchio says it was a sight she won't soon forget.
"I saw 'the butt' and it was kind of gross," Cornacchio said. "I thought it was disrespectful."
Cornacchio was one of hundreds who watched senior David Turano "moon" last week's graduation.
A YouTube video shows Turano hiking up his gown – his pants are down and his underwear is showing. Turano then turns around and wiggles his rear at his classmates.
"I was like did that just happen?" Cornacchio said. "There's kids in the audience, family members, grandparents."
As Turano goes to collect his diploma, Principal James Kaishian refuses to hand it over. Superintendent Fran Wills says something to the student and he's then ushered off stage.
On Tuesday Wills released a statement:
"The district was outraged by this breach of trust and civility. We have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the matter is pursued in courts."
In fact, the first thing the next morning, the school called the Mount Pleasant Police Department, determined to make Turano pay a price for his prank.
The 18-year-old now faces charges of disorderly conduct and "exposure."
"Obviously Mr. Turano intended to be funny but school officials did not take it as funny and many people were quite offended at his act," Mount Pleasant Police Chief Louis Alagno said.
Turano lives on a horse farm in Pleasantville, where a family friend said the school overreacted to the prank.
"He's kind of a silly kid," Liz Grano said. "I think he was dared to do it. He did it. Not in the best taste but kids are kids."
Turano is due in court Thursday – with a videotape and several hundred witnesses part of the case against him.
The district will be sending the student his diploma, after the school attorney said there was no legal basis to withhold it.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
World's Most Useless Facts
Click to enlarge
Source: Probe Of Gov's Gambling Contract Possible 5 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments