Mount Vernon Schools Staff Member Arrested, Banned From Properties

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon City School District officials said that a staff member has been arrested over allegations that he had "inappropriate interactions" with an elementary school student.

The district did not identify the staff member, elaborate on the charges or describe his position at the school.

"Once alerted of the allegations the District took immediate steps to advise the staff member alleged to have engaged in this conduct that he is precluded from being on any school district property until this matter can be fully investigated and appropriate next steps can be determined by the District," school district officials said in a message to parents. "The staff member was further informed that if he is found on any school district property at any time during the pendency of the District’s investigation, he will be subject to arrest for trespassing. Security staff in all our buildings have been advised of the foregoing prohibition."

The district said that the full-time staff member in question was fingerprinted as part of a background check that cleared him for employment by the State Education Department prior to being hired. The staff member has worked for the district since November of 2022.

"Please know that, as always, the health, safety and welfare of our students and staff has been and will continue to be our highest priority," school officials said. "The District will fully cooperate with law enforcement’s ongoing investigation into this matter."

In the statement, the school district said that while it could not release further details at this time, officials will "continue to update the community regarding this matter to the extent possible and legally appropriate."