Ex-Lawrence School District Director Indicted In $2 Million Scheme: DA

MINEOLA, NY — The former director of facilities for the Lawrence Union Free School District (LUFSD), and a co-conspirator, were indicted for a $2 million scheme for allegedly using the director's influence and knowledge to steer emergency HVAC and other lucrative contracts to a company they incorporated, prosecutors said.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said the two men shared the profits from the businesss between April 2023 and May 2024.

Scott Unger, 65, of Long Beach; and Joseph Greenblatt, 59, of Island Park, were arraigned on Wednesday on grand jury indictment charges of first-degree corrupting the government, fourth-degree conspiracy and official misconduct, Donnelly said.

They pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. They face up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison respectively if convicted. They are due back in court on July 28.

April 7, 2023, and May 23, 2024, Unger and Greenblatt allegedly created and operated a corporation, SDF Service Plus, Inc. (“SDF”), to obtain public works contracts from the LUFSD and disguised Unger’s financial interest in SDF, which would have prohibited the company from contracting with the school district, Donnelly said.

Their conduct allegedly resulted in the LUFSD awarding contracts to SDF for various services in excess of $2 million and payments to Unger specifically in excess of $184,000, prosecutors said.

Between July and December 2023, Greenblatt wrote five checks to Scott Mitchell Management, Inc., a shell company incorporated and controlled by Unger, for sums ranging from $22,320 to $77,945, the D.A.'s office said.

On December 29, 2023, SDF issued a check to SMM for $77,945. Eight days after the funds were deposited into the SMM account, Unger allegedly purchased a 2024 Kia Telluride with an SMM check for $61,123 and registered the vehicle in his name, Donnelly said.

“Scott Unger decided he wanted a bigger payday from his new position directing facility operations at the Lawrence School District and allegedly, with the help of his co-conspirator Joseph Greenblatt, twisted the district’s contracting process to fit his needs and line both of their pockets,” Donnelly said. “Unger and Greenblatt used lies and manipulation to remove the competition and position themselves to take over school district contracts, according to the charges. The pair set up their own businesses, with Unger acting as the shadow operator, and using Unger’s authority, allegedly secured lucrative contracts worth more than $2 million, despite never having worked on another HVAC project and having no experience in that space."

Patch attempted to reach Unger's attorney Mark Silverman for a comment. Greenblatt's attorney Michael Soshnick said, "Mr. Greenblatt is innocent of all charges. In the fullness of time, he will be fully exonerated."