A former Farmingdale State College professor has pleaded not guilty to charges that he raped and choked a female student inside his car on campus.
Antoine Munfakh, 44, of Freeport, was arraigned on first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape and criminal obstruction of breathing following the Oct. 15 incident in a parking lot at the SUNY school in Babylon, according to court records. He posted a combined $260,000 in cash and bonds to secure his release ahead of his next court date.
The alleged attack occurred around 2:48 p.m. When Munfakh, who had worked as an adjunct professor in the Aviation Administration Department from August 2024 until June 2025, allegedly groped the woman’s breast, strangled her with her own lanyard and forced her to perform oral sex on him inside his vehicle, court documents state.
“Mr Munfakh adamantly denies the allegations and looks forward to proving his innocence,” his attorney Scott Leemon told The Post.
School officials issued a statement to Newsday emphasizing their commitment to campus safety. “Farmingdale State College takes all matters involving the health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff with the utmost seriousness,” the statement read.
The school also credited the rapid coordination between local and campus police. “We are thankful for the partnership of the Suffolk County Police Department, who immediately alerted Farmingdale State College (FSC) University Police upon receiving the 911 call,” the statement continued. “FSC University Police swiftly responded to assist our student and provide immediate care.”
The mostly commuter institution, which enrolls roughly 10,000 students, had employed Munfakh in its Aviation Administration Department until earlier this year. The circumstances of his departure from the college remain unclear from available records.
Munfakh’s case joins a growing number of sexual misconduct allegations involving faculty and students at New York State higher education institutions. The Farmingdale incident stands apart in its alleged violence, with prosecutors specifically charging obstruction of breathing in connection with the lanyard strangulation.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has not publicly commented on the investigation beyond the filed charges. Munfakh is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 4.