Harlem Private School Founder Sued For Fraud

New York State Attorney General Spitzer today announced a lawsuit against the former operator of a private school in Harlem who defrauded parents by misrepresenting the school’s credentials and offerings.

The lawsuit alleges that Andre C. McNair opened the Harlem Youth Enrichment Christian Academy in September 2001, and induced parents to enroll their children under false pretenses. Specifically, McNair is alleged to have advertised in publications targeting the Harlem community and disseminated flyers and pamphlets falsely stating that the school was accredited by the New York State Board of Regents, and that it offered various academic and extracurricular activities. He also falsely claimed to be a physician and the founder of the WL Bonner Youth Enrichment Program.

An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General found that, in reliance on McNair’s misrepresentation, parents--many of modest means-- paid thousands of dollars in tuition. For example, for the 2002-2003 school year the parents of 77 students paid an initial fee of $3,250, agreed to additional monthly tuition payments of $350, and to $300 in other miscellaneous fees.

McNair also misrepresented his own credentials, stating that he graduated from Fordham University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and that he did post-graduate work at the Jersey City Medical Center and Newark’s Beth Israel Medical Center. In fact, according to the complaint, McNair attended Fordham for only a few semesters and did not graduate. The other institutions McNair claimed to have attended have no records regarding McNair.

When the Academy closed abruptly on February 14, 2003 after failing to provide the advertised programs it promised such as computer labs, sports, drama, music, college preparatory classes, and tutoring, parents were left scrambling to find schools for their children to attend. Moreover, they never received the refunds promised after the school’s closure.

"Parents in search of better educational opportunities must be protected from these unscrupulous business practices," said Attorney General Spitzer. "My office will pursue vigorous action against those who jeopardize our children’s education and safety."

"As an elected official whose office has closely monitored the improprieties of the Harlem Youth Enrichment Christian Academy, I expect the full force of the law to be applied by the state Attorney General," said Assemblyman Keith Wright (D-Harlem). "What is most disturbing is the way these individuals operating the academy manipulated a trusting Harlem community and parents who understand the value and absolute necessity of a quality education in uplifting a young man or woman’s life."

Qualified private schools in New York State may be registered by the State’s Education Department or chartered by the Board of Regents. Contrary to what the advertisements alleged, the Harlem Youth Enrichment Christian Academy was not registered nor chartered.

The Attorney General’s lawsuit seeks restitution, penalties, injunctive relief, and an order requiring the defendant to post a bond for $250,000 should he open a school in the future.

To file complaints against McNair please contact the Harlem Regional Office of the New York State Attorney General at 212-961-4475.

The case is being handled by Assistant Attorney Generals Roberto Lebron, Melissa Saren, Assistant Attorney General-in-Charge of the Harlem Regional Office Guy Mitchell, and Investigator Ismael Hernandez.