Westchester School Officials Busted! Corruption Charges Filed

16 May, 2025

Can you imagine school officials entrusted with the education and well-being of children allegedly diverting funds meant for their future towards personal luxuries? That's precisely the scandal unfolding in Westchester County, where a former superintendent and a security specialist stand accused of pilfering from the very system they were sworn to uphold.

Oliver Levy, 55, of Stony Point in Rockland County, formerly the superintendent of a Westchester school district, and Surendra Kumar, 47, of Yonkers, previously a security system specialist, were arrested and arraigned on felony charges. According to Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, the pair allegedly misused over $50,000 of school funds between July 2018 and May 2022. The charges include grand larceny in the third degree as a crime of public corruption and corrupting the government in the third degree. The Westchester County District Attorneys Office and the state comptroller assert that Levy and Kumar engaged in a scheme where Levy approved Kumars purchase of 168 gift cards with school funds, totaling over $12,000. An investigation revealed that these gift cards, procured using school funds, were allegedly used for personal expenses, including luxury items and jewelry.

Category	Oliver Levy	Surendra Kumar
Full Name	Oliver Levy	Surendra Kumar
Age	55	47 (Reported as 48 in some sources)
Residence	Stony Point, Rockland County, NY	Yonkers, Westchester County, NY
Former Position	Superintendent of a Westchester School District	Security System Specialist
Accusations	Misusing school funds, grand larceny, corruption	Misusing school funds, grand larceny, corruption
Alleged Misuse	Approved purchase of 168 gift cards for personal use	Purchased 168 gift cards with school funds for personal use
Salary (2023)	$329,122 (According to SeeThroughNY.net)	$149,622 (According to GovSalaries.com)
Timeline of Alleged Offenses	July 2018 - May 2022	July 2018 - May 2022
Court	Westchester County Court	Westchester County Court
Arraignment Judge	Anne Bianchi	Anne Bianchi
Reference Link	SeeThroughNY.net (For Salary Information)
Reference Link	GovSalaries.com (For Salary Information)

The details of the felony complaint, cited in a press release, allege that Levy, who began his career as a teaching assistant in 2008 and ascended to the role of superintendent in 2018, conspired with Kumar to execute the scheme. Levy allegedly aided and abetted Kumar in purchasing the aforementioned gift cards. These purchases, totaling $12,000, were allegedly made between July 2018 and June 2022. The allegations suggest a coordinated effort to divert public funds for personal enrichment.

The accusations against Levy and Kumar have sent shockwaves through the Westchester community. News outlets are reporting on the story, highlighting the alleged betrayal of trust and the misuse of funds intended for the education of children. The case is being closely watched by residents and officials alike, as it raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within the school district.

Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah, before Susan Cacace took over, and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli have both emphasized the seriousness of the charges and their commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions. They have vowed to pursue justice in this case and to ensure that the school district recovers any funds that were misappropriated. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges could be filed as more information comes to light.

According to information available on SeeThroughNY.net, Oliver Levy's salary in 2023 was $329,122. GovSalaries.com indicates that Surendra Kumar earned $149,622 in 2023. These figures highlight the significant salaries that these individuals were already earning, further intensifying the outrage over the alleged theft of school funds.

The scandal comes at a time when school districts across New York State are facing increasing financial pressures. Budget cuts, rising costs, and the need to invest in new technologies are all placing a strain on school resources. The alleged misuse of funds by Levy and Kumar has only exacerbated these challenges, leaving the school district with less money to spend on essential programs and services for students.

The news of the arrests has sparked anger and disbelief among parents, teachers, and community members. Many are calling for a thorough investigation into the school district's financial practices to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They are also demanding greater transparency and accountability from school officials to ensure that public funds are used responsibly and effectively.

The case of Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar is a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within public institutions. It underscores the importance of strong oversight mechanisms and ethical leadership to safeguard public funds and protect the interests of the community. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will be on determining the full extent of the alleged wrongdoing and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar were charged in Westchester County Court on Wednesday, January. They were arraigned before Westchester County Court Judge Anne Bianchi. Levy is the former superintendent, charged by Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace with misusing school district funds for personal use.

The alleged scheme involved the purchase of 168 gift cards between July 2018 and June 2022. These gift cards, totaling over $12,000, were reportedly used for personal and luxury expenses, including jewelry and handbags. The districts former superintendent, Oliver Levy, and Surendra Kumar, a former security system specialist, are accused of using over $50,000 of school money on personal items.

According to the felony complaint, Levy aided, abetted, and acted in concert with Kumar to purchase the gift cards. The complaint alleges that Levy approved Kumars purchases, knowing that the funds were being used for personal gain. The scheme reportedly unfolded over several years, with Levy and Kumar allegedly working together to conceal their activities.

The arrests of Levy and Kumar highlight the importance of vigilance and accountability in public service. The alleged misuse of school funds is a serious breach of trust that has far-reaching consequences for the community. The Westchester County District Attorneys Office and the New York State Comptrollers Office are committed to pursuing justice in this case and to ensuring that the school district is made whole.

The investigation into the alleged corruption is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. The focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the alleged wrongdoing and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

The case of Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar serves as a cautionary tale for public officials. It demonstrates the potential for abuse when ethical standards are compromised and oversight mechanisms are weak. The community is demanding greater transparency and accountability from its leaders, and the authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served.

The alleged theft of school funds has had a significant impact on the Westchester school district. The district is now facing a budget shortfall and must make difficult decisions about how to allocate its resources. The scandal has also damaged the reputation of the school district and eroded public trust.

The community is working to rebuild trust and ensure that the school district operates with integrity and transparency. Parents, teachers, and community members are actively engaged in efforts to improve oversight and accountability. They are demanding that school officials be held to the highest ethical standards and that public funds are used responsibly and effectively.

The case of Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar is a reminder that corruption can occur in any public institution. It is essential to have strong oversight mechanisms in place to prevent abuse and to hold those who engage in wrongdoing accountable for their actions. The community is committed to learning from this experience and to ensuring that the Westchester school district operates with integrity and transparency in the future.

The charges against Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar are a significant blow to the Westchester community. The alleged misuse of school funds is a betrayal of trust that has far-reaching consequences for the students, parents, and teachers who rely on the school district. The community is demanding justice and accountability, and the authorities are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community will be closely watching the case and demanding that justice is served. The focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the alleged wrongdoing and ensuring that the school district is made whole. The community is committed to rebuilding trust and ensuring that the Westchester school district operates with integrity and transparency in the future.

The case of Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar is a reminder that public service is a privilege, not a right. Those who are entrusted with public funds have a responsibility to use them wisely and ethically. When public officials betray that trust, they must be held accountable for their actions. The Westchester community is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case and that the school district is able to move forward with integrity and transparency.

The ongoing investigation is expected to reveal more details about the alleged scheme and the extent of the misuse of funds. Authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and interview witnesses to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice. The community is urged to cooperate with the investigation and to provide any information that may be helpful.

The Westchester school district is taking steps to strengthen its financial controls and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. These measures include enhanced training for school officials, improved auditing procedures, and increased transparency in financial reporting. The goal is to create a culture of accountability and integrity within the school district.

The community is committed to supporting the Westchester school district as it works to rebuild trust and restore its reputation. Parents, teachers, and community members are actively engaged in efforts to improve the quality of education and to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. The focus remains on creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

The case of Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar is a challenging chapter in the history of the Westchester school district. However, the community is determined to learn from this experience and to emerge stronger and more resilient. By working together and holding its leaders accountable, the community can ensure that the school district operates with integrity and transparency in the future.

The ramifications of this case extend beyond the immediate financial losses. The erosion of trust in public institutions can have a lasting impact on community morale and civic engagement. It is crucial for leaders to demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct and transparency to restore faith in government and public service.

The legal proceedings against Levy and Kumar are expected to be lengthy and complex. The defense may argue that the gift cards were used for legitimate school-related purposes or that Levy was unaware of Kumar's alleged misuse of funds. However, the prosecution is prepared to present evidence to prove that the pair engaged in a coordinated scheme to divert public funds for personal enrichment.

The outcome of this case will have significant implications for public officials across New York State. It will send a message about the consequences of corruption and the importance of ethical leadership. It will also serve as a reminder that public funds must be used responsibly and that those who betray the public trust will be held accountable for their actions.

The Westchester community is united in its determination to see justice served in this case. Parents, teachers, and community members are actively engaged in efforts to support the school district and to ensure that it operates with integrity and transparency in the future. The focus remains on creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students and on rebuilding trust in public institutions.

The case of Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar is a reminder that vigilance is essential to preventing corruption in public service. It is crucial for citizens to hold their leaders accountable and to demand transparency and ethical conduct. By working together, the community can ensure that public funds are used wisely and that those who betray the public trust are held accountable for their actions. As the case proceeds, the public will be keen to observe whether justice is served and whether tangible steps are taken to fortify the systems that safeguard public assets.

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