$50,000 meant for vulnerable pupils was allegedly misappropriated by two school officials, who used it for private school tuition and luxuries.#NewYork #WestchesterCountyNY #Crime #News
NY’s Westchester CountyAccording to prosecutors, two senior school officials in Westchester County, New York, are accused of squandering $50,000 intended to assist at-risk pupils on private school tuition, upscale purses, and other ostentatious personal belongings.
Oliver Levy, a former superintendent of the Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District, and Surendra Kumar, a former security system consultant, are accused. The Westchester District Attorney’s Office claims that the two plotted to embezzle money meant for underprivileged kids and use it to support their opulent lifestyles.
Accusations of Corruption
Between July 2018 and June 2022, Levy, who started working for the district in 2008 as a teacher’s assistant, and Kumar are accused of buying 168 gift cards. Although part of the money was used for valid educational costs, prosecutors believe that a sizeable amount—roughly $50,000—was embezzled for private gain.
According to court records, the embezzled money was used to pay for things like jewelry, expensive purses, veterinary care, and family members’ private school tuition.
In May 2024, Levy, 55, of Stony Point, and Kumar, 48, of Yonkers, were first taken into custody. They were charged with increased offenses this week, which included grand larceny as well as crimes of public corruption, grand larceny, and government corruption. Both entered not guilty pleas when they appeared in court on Wednesday.
Outrage Over Misused Public Funds
District Attorney Susan Cacace stated that any misappropriation of public funds constitutes a basic betrayal of public confidence.
When the accusations are made against an organization that helps our most vulnerable citizens, that violation is exacerbated. Students could have benefited from the money in this case that was purportedly routed to the defendants.
The investigation was aided by the New York State Comptroller’s Office. Thomas DiNapoli, the comptroller, condemned the alleged activities in a statement.
It is unacceptable, he said, for school officials to allegedly steal from the pupils they are there to assist.
Fallout from the Allegations
When school administrators started to notice concerning financial discrepancies, Levy’s alleged misbehavior initially came to light. Before his arrest in May 2024, he was put on leave. During the course of the investigation, his contract was not renewed and was permitted to expire.
Regarding the issue, the Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District, which mostly serves at-risk students in grades K–12, has not issued a statement.
Authorities stressed how crucial it is to protect public monies and make sure they help the people they are meant to assist.
CONNECTED TOPICS: New York Crime
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