NYC principal dubbed ‘Creepy Bill’ could dodge sex-abuse raps and keep pension under special deal: ‘Troubling and infuriating’
William Bassell, the 67-year-old Queens principal known as 'Creepy Bill,' may avoid criminal prosecution for alleged sex abuse if he retires and completes sex-offender treatment. Accusers say he sexually harassed and assaulted female staff and a student over more than a decade, with one lawsuit detailing over 30,000 explicit texts. The deal has sparked outrage, as Bassell could still collect a taxpayer-funded pension despite the serious allegations.
- ▪William Bassell was accused of groping a 16-year-old student and sexually harassing multiple female teachers.
- ▪Prosecutors offered Bassell a deal to drop criminal charges if he resigns and undergoes sex-offender treatment.
- ▪Bassell earned $204,305 last year, which could form the basis of a pension worth over $1 million in the coming decade.
- ▪One accuser, Khiabet Leal, said Bassell groped her beneath her skirt when she was 16 outside the Met Opera.
- ▪The DOE removed Bassell from his position but stated that pension decisions are ultimately made by his union.
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Metro NYC principal dubbed ‘Creepy Bill’ could dodge sex-abuse raps and keep pension under special deal: ‘Troubling and infuriating’ By Peter Senzamici Published May 4, 2026, 4:02 p.m. ET A Queens principal dubbed “Creepy Bill’’ could dodge sex-abuse charges — and potentially spend the rest of his days living on a cushy taxpayer-funded pension — if he just retires, according to his accusers. Longtime Academy of American Studies Principal William Bassell, 67, who earned his derogatory moniker from weirded-out students, was set to begin his criminal trial last week. 3 Queens high-school Principal William Bassell has been accused of seamy sex-harassment allegations.
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