Mount Vernon Man Guilty In String Of School Burglaries

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Mount Vernon man has admitted to burglarizing schools across the Hudson Valley.

Donald Bennett pled guilty to unlawfully entering several school buildings between 2020 and 2021, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Thursday.

The 62-year-old entered a guilty plea to felony burglary on Oct. 26. As a second felony offender, he faces a minimum sentencing range of 2 to 4 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 7 years in a state prison.

SEE: Man Arraigned In String Of Westchester School Burglaries

Between February 20, 2020 and February 28, 2021, Bennett unlawfully entered and stole items from Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Scarsdale, The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College in Irvington and Waverly School in Eastchester. The items stolen included wallets, cash, credit cards and other items.

Eastchester Police Department arrested Bennett on March 4, 2021, following an investigation in which the Dobbs Ferry Police Department, Irvington Police Department, New Rochelle Police Department and Scarsdale Police Department assisted.

“I share the concern of parents and other residents who recognize that it is both deeply disturbing and absolutely unacceptable for anyone to enter a school building unlawfully,” Rocah said at the time of his arrest. “I am committed to keeping our children, teachers and school staff safe and feeling as secure as possible.”

Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28.