Kenneth Kavajecz, the former Martin J. Whitman School of Management dean who was arrested in a prostitution sting last year, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge on Thursday and received a one-year conditional discharge, Syracuse.com reported.

Kavajecz was arrested last fall after authorities said he agreed to pay $80 to an undercover police officer who was posing as a prostitute in a hotel near the Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

The former dean, last September, originally pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of patronizing a prostitute. On Thursday, though, Kavajecz pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted patronizing of a prostitute, through an affidavit, according to Syracuse.com.

Louis Mannara, a Cicero-based defense attorney who represented Kavajecz in the case, requested more than 10 adjournments after the former dean last year pleaded not guilty to the charge of patronizing a prostitute. 

Kavajecz’s arrest shocked Whitman students. Under his leadership, Whitman climbed Bloomberg’s best business school rankings from No. 72 in 2013 to No. 23 in 2016.

The former dean is still listed as a professor of finance on Whitman’s faculty website. But it remains unclear whether Kavajecz is on SU’s payroll or receiving university benefits. Mannara, in a statement to Syracuse.com on Thursday, said Kavajecz has since moved out of New York state.

Kevin Quinn, senior adviser to the chancellor for executive communications and public affairs, in an email this September said he could not comment on past or current personnel matters.

Kavajecz’s salary was $496,448, according to SU’s 990 form for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Kavajecz was not listed on the university’s 990 form for the 2015-16 fiscal year.

Mannara’s full statement on the case is below: 

“I am disappointed with the way that this matter was handled by the criminal justice system and Syracuse University. The charge brought against Kenneth Kavajecz is routinely adjourned in contemplation of dismissal and, for whatever reason or reasons, it was dealt with differently in this case.

Kenneth Kavajecz has decided to move on with his life instead of continuing to pursue his legal remedies in the criminal justice system. I think it should be noted, however, that several articles written and broadcasted about Kenneth Kavajecz during the pendency of his case referred to him as the dean of the “prestigious” Whitman School of Management. It only ascended to such a lofty reputation under the leadership of Kenneth Kavajecz. He tirelessly devoted his time, intellect and innovative vision to the students and faculty of the now prestigious Whitman School of Management.

Kenneth Kavajecz has expressed his hope that the Whitman School of Management will continue (to) ascend and thrive, but I think it is a shame that Syracuse University opted to extricate itself from him instead of offering its assistance.”

Published on December 1, 2017 at 1:49 pm

Contact Sam: sfogozal@syr.edu | @SamOgozalek