A principal at KIPP Washington Heights Middle School in Manhattan has been accused of sexually abusing at least two students, including a 12-year-old girl, and was released without bail, according to court documents.
Eric Cato, 37, allegedly engaged in sexual contact with two students between October 2024 and March 2026, the indictment filed in Manhattan Supreme Court states. He is also charged with endangering the welfare of a third child during a separate period from August to December 2025.
Cato was arrested on August 12 and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. Online court records indicate he was released on his own recognizance. It remains unclear if prosecutors requested bail.
A spokesperson for KIPP NYC confirmed that Cato is no longer employed by the school. "We take these allegations very seriously and understand how deeply alarming this news is for our school community," the representative said. "This individual is no longer at the school, and we remain focused on protecting student privacy and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for KIPP families and staff."
Daniris Rodriguez, the mother of one of the alleged victims, expressed her devastation and called for accountability. "I was devastated because my daughter has been going to KIPP for years, and when you take your kids to school, you’re leaving them where trustworthy people are," Rodriguez told NY1. "That was not the case."
Rodriguez stated her daughter came forward believing she was not the only victim. "I’m very proud of her for speaking up and being a voice for the kids who don’t have a voice, that were shy, that were afraid, that were scared to even tell their parents," she added.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the NYPD have encouraged other potential victims to come forward. "As alleged, this principal abused his position to sexually abuse middle schoolers he was entrusted to mentor and keep safe," DA Alvin Bragg said in a statement. "We are continuing to investigate alongside the NYPD."
Authorities have provided multiple avenues for reporting. The DA's Child Abuse Bureau can be reached at 212-335-4300, and the NYPD's Sex Crimes Hotline is available at 1-212-267-7273. Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), with a Spanish-language option at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
