Two high-ranking school officials in Westchester County are accused of stealing $50,000 intended for at-risk students and using it for private school fees, luxury handbags, and other expensive items, per the New York Post.
Former superintendent Oliver Levy and ex-security specialist Surendra Kumar reportedly collaborated to misuse school funds for their lavish lifestyles, according to the Westchester District Attorney’s Office. They bought 168 gift cards from 2018 to 2022, using only some for school-related purchases.
They reportedly diverted around $50,000 of the funds for personal expenses like jewelry, veterinary bills, luxury handbags, and private school fees. 55-year-old from Stony Point, and 48-year-old Kumar of Yonkers, were initially apprehended and charged with the crimes back in May 2024. This week, their charges were upgraded to more serious offenses.
Susan Cacace, the District Attorney said, “Any theft of public funds represents a fundamental breach of public trust. That breach is amplified when the allegations concern an institution serving our most vulnerable.”
“The funds in this case that were allegedly diverted to the defendants could have been used for student achievement,” she added.
The two individuals entered a not guilty plea in court on Wednesday to six charges. These included “grand larceny as part of public corruption, regular grand larceny, and corrupting the government,” reports said.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
