Scarsdale Schools Respond to Prostitution Bust

A 16-month NYPD investigation into a prostitution and money-laundering ring culminated with a bust Tuesday, with authorities passing down 20 indictments to individuals throughout the tri-state area.

A former Scarsdale Schools dean -- David Mendelowitz, who retired in June -- was named in the police report as one of the johns allegedly involved in the illegal, million-dollar enterprise. The criminal claim also says Mendelowitz purchased crack-cocaine.

Scarsdale School officials sent a letter to parents just hours after the news broke, sounding off on the implication.

"Law enforcement officers have told us that his alleged conduct did not involve anyone in our community," wrote superintendent Michael V. McGill.

The schools' full response is below; for Patch story on the bust, click here. 

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Office of the Superintendent                                                                   November 2012    

Dear Members of the Scarsdale Schools Community:  

I regret to inform you that we have just learned that a former dean at Scarsdale High School, David Mendelowitz, who retired in June, has been arrested on charges involving prostitution and illegal substances. Law enforcement officers have told us that his alleged conduct did not involve anyone in our community.   Despite this sad and most unfortunate news, we continue hopefully on our educational journey. 

After the difficulties of the past weeks, children are learning, and the schools are abuzz with productive activity. Please know that our children's safety and well-being are constantly in the forefront of teachers' and school leaders' minds.   

We move forward, looking ahead to the reassuring warmth of family and friends this Thanksgiving Day and to positive, constructive learning in the coming months.   

Sincerely,  

Michael V. McGill, Superintendent of Schools