Mug Shot Monday: Former teacher sentenced to four years for sexual relationship with student

 

Former Cohoes (N.Y.) High School English teacher Drake Galarneau, 36, has been sentenced to four years in state prison after pleading guilty to two counts of third-degree rape involving a 16-year-old student. 

Galarneau, who met the girl when she was 13 and later served as her school adviser, admitted to having sex with her in 2025, when she was legally unable to consent.

At Friday's sentencing, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Roger McDonough sharply rejected any attempt to characterize what happened as a romance, describing Galarneau as an adult who exploited a vulnerable child. 

The victim and her mother submitted statements detailing the emotional damage caused by Galarneau's actions, while McDonough also questioned the sincerity of the former teacher's apology.

Galarneau resigned from Cohoes High School in March after allegations were reported to authorities and was initially charged with eight counts of third-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child.

Under his plea agreement, he surrendered his teaching credentials and must register as a sex offender. He will also serve 10 years of post-release supervision and is prohibited from contacting the victim.