NYC charter school principal accused of sexually abusing at least 2 students — but walks free

A Manhattan charter school principal is charged with sexually abusing at least two students, including a 12-year-old girl — and is walking free without bail, The Post has learned.

Eric Cato – who worked at KIPP Washington Heights Middle School on Jumel Place in Upper Manhattan – allegedly targeted the children between October of 2024 and March of 2026, according to an indictment filed in Manhattan Supreme Court.

He is accused of exposing two kids to “sexual contact,” the court document said. The NYPD said one of the victims was only 12 years old. 

Eric Cato, 37, is accused of inappropriate contact with at least two students at KIPP Washington Heights Middle School. NYPD

Cato is also charged with endangering the welfare of a third child between August and December of 2025, the court document said. 

The accused principal – who was arrested on Aug. 12 – pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was released on his own recognizance, online court records show.

It’s unclear whether prosecutors asked for bail. The Manhattan DA’s Office didn’t immediately comment.

Cato has since been dismissed from his role at the charter school, according to a spokesperson for KIPPS NYC.

“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.”

Cato is no longer employed by the charter school, a spokesperson said. Google Maps

Daniris Rodriguez, the mother of a 13-year-old girl allegedly groomed by Cato, told NY1 she wants “accountability” and “justice” for her daughter.

“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 said. “That was not the case.”

Rodriguez told the network her daughter decided to come forward because she believed she wasn’t the only one subjected to the perverted behavior.  

“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. 

Both the Manhattan DA’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.”

“We urge anyone with information to contact our Child Abuse Bureau at 212-335-4300. Our specially trained prosecutors and counselors can speak with children in a sensitive manner in a child-friendly space.” 

Victims are also encouraged to call the NYPD’s Sex Crimes Hotline at 1-212-267-7273, the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).