Paul Kropka
By Dan Murphy
Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess sent out the following release on June 12.
CONNECTICUT MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING PUBLIC LEWDNESS INCIDENT IN PUTNAM LAKE
Sheriff Brian Hess announces the arrest of Craig A. Kropa, 39, of New Fairfield, Connecticut, following an investigation into a public lewdness complaint in the Putnam Lake area of the Town of Patterson.
On June 10, 2026, members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Putnam Lake area after a resident reported that while walking her dogs on Lakeshore Drive, a male operating a gray SUV pulled alongside her and allegedly exposed himself while making vulgar remarks.
During the investigation, deputies obtained a witness statement and reviewed video surveillance footage from the area. Through investigative efforts conducted by Patrol and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Craig A. Kropa was identified as the suspect.
Kropa was subsequently taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Kropa was charged with:
• Public Lewdness – Class B Misdemeanor
Kropa was arraigned in the Town of Patterson Justice Court and released on his own recognizance.” end of release.
Since then there has been very little additional information, including a “we can’t comment on a personell matter” from the Mahopac School District.
Facebook comments below the Sheriff’s release claim that Kropka is a Spanish Teacher at Mahopac High School. One post reprinted an email-letter from the school district.
“Something popped off
Dear Mahopac Community,
We are writing to inform you that we are aware of a recent incident involving one of our employees.
Please be assured that we are currently cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation and are taking this matter seriously. As this is an active investigation, we are unable to share any personnel details or further specifics at this time.
Our top priority remains the safety, well-being, and trust of our students, parents and community. We are committed to maintaining our operations with the high standards of integrity you expect from us.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely, Frank Miele, Superintendent of Schools.”
A database of salaries for NY State employees lists does show Craig A. Kropa as a teacher in 2023-24.
Another comment said the incident occurred at 130pm in the middle of the day on a Wednesday, a school day.
Kropka’s photo appeared on Facebook in a group photo, which we cropped, and confirmed his identity with parents and students at Mahopac High School.
Also unclear is if any disciplinary action has been taken against Kropka, or if he will be suspended or terminated from his position. He was only charged with a misdemeanor, how ever strange and perverse it may be.
