A former Cohoes High School teacher and the son-in-law of the Cohoes mayor appeared in court today to be arraigned on a nine-count indictment. Drake Galerno, now a former teacher, is facing serious rape charges. He appeared in Albany County Court after being arrested Wednesday night and is accused of raping a teenager under the age of 17 over a period of months in 2025. Authorities say the case centers on allegations that he had sex with a student on school grounds.

In court, Galerno was identified as both a Cohoes High School teacher and the son-in-law of Cohoes Mayor Will Keeler. He was arraigned on a nine-count indictment that includes eight counts of rape in the third degree and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. At this stage, these remain allegations, and the case has not yet been decided in court.

According to authorities, the situation did not begin with an arrest. It began with concern. At the high school, small changes and interactions reportedly started to feel off. Conversations did not quite make sense. Behavior raised questions, though not enough at first to immediately stop everything. As in many cases like this, it began quietly, until someone finally spoke up.

Once those concerns were reported, an official investigation began. Investigators conducted interviews, gathered statements, reviewed timelines, and examined whether the reported incidents formed a pattern. Authorities say what initially appeared to be isolated moments eventually became something more clearly defined. According to police, the allegations involve inappropriate communication and interactions with a student, behavior that investigators say crossed clear professional boundaries.

As details were developed through interviews, statements, and evidence collected during the investigation, authorities determined the matter warranted formal charges. What may have started as uncertainty was no longer being treated as a misunderstanding, but as conduct investigators allege was intentional. That led to Galerno’s arrest and arraignment.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, Galerno did not remain in custody. Bail was set, and he was released. Reports in court referenced bail figures of $40,000 cash and a $50,000 bond. As part of his release, he was ordered to follow a curfew and remain home between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

That decision quickly became a major point of concern for many in the community. Parents and residents have been asking not only what happened, but why he is no longer in custody. For many people, the expectation is simple: when someone in a position of trust faces allegations like these, they should not be back in the community. However, courts make those decisions based on legal standards, including the charges, the available evidence, and whether the defendant is considered a flight risk or a danger under the law.

Even so, the outcome has unsettled many parents and community members. The case is now affecting more than just those directly involved. The school district is responding to concerns, and people are questioning whether warning signs were missed and whether the situation was handled properly once concerns were raised.

As the case moves forward, the legal process will continue to unfold through evidence, testimony, and court decisions. For now, the charges have been filed, Galerno has pleaded not guilty, and many questions remain. The issue is no longer only about the allegations themselves, but also about trust, accountability, and how such a situation was allowed to develop inside a school environment.

This case is still unfolding, and like many cases of this kind, the full story will emerge over time. New details may come through court proceedings, additional reporting, or further developments in the investigation. What has already come out is enough to raise serious concerns throughout the school and the wider community. As more information becomes available, attention will remain focused not only on what allegedly happened, but on how it was handled once concerns were brought forward.