Man Arraigned In String Of Westchester School Burglaries

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A Mount Vernon man, who is accused of unlawfully entering school buildings in a number of towns across the Hudson Valley, was arraigned today in Westchester County Court on multiple charges. In some, but not all of the cases, Donald Mack Bennett is believed to have stolen items from the schools.

The 61-year-old is now charged with seven counts of Burglary in the 3rd Degree, six counts of Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree and two counts of Petit Larceny. Bennett was taken into custody on March 4 in connection with the school burglaries which occurred in 2020 and 2021. He is being held in the Westchester County Jail.

“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,” Westchester District Attorney Miriam Rocah said in a statement announcing the arraignment. “I am committed to keeping our children, teachers and school staff safe and feeling as secure as possible.”

Prosecutors say the incidents involving Bennett took place at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Scarsdale, Waverly School in Eastchester, Masters School in Dobbs Ferry and Mercy College in Irvington. The string of burglaries were investigated by police in Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Irvington, New Rochelle and Scarsdale.