ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A St. Louis-area piano teacher recently charged with child sex crimes previously worked at several local school districts and institutions, officials say.
On Tuesday, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Daniel Yavitz, 38, with three counts of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy (deviate sexual intercourse) involving a person less than 12 years old.
On Friday, a prosecuting attorney’s office spokesperson noted that Yavitz had a work history involving at least five school districts and institutions, including:
- Parkway School District
- Clayton School District
- University City School District
- University City Children’s Center
- Special School District of St. Louis County
- Latitude Therapy
Prosecutors did not immediately disclose Yavitz’s roles as related to the listed school districts and institutions.
The University City Police Department is handling the investigation into Yavitz’s current charges.
“Given that criminal allegations are investigated in the area where they occurred, we encourage people with allegations of criminal misconduct to contact the local police agency where the misconduct occurred,” said the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in a statement to FOX 2.
Authorities say there could be more victims. Anyone with further information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the University City Police Department at 314-725-2211.
School districts respond
FOX 2 has reached out to the school district included on the list from the prosecuting attorney’s office. Statements returned from some are included below:
PARKWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
“Special School District and Parkway Schools sent [a letter] to all Parkway Central Middle families. We also felt it was important for parents of students in the essential skills classroom, where he worked as a teaching assistant for Special School District, to hear from us directly. So we made personal phone calls to those families yesterday out of an abundance of caution.”
The Parkway School District adds that Yavitz was never “employed” by the school district, but worked for Special School District and was placed in one of our special education classrooms.
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
“Daniel Yavitz has never been employed by The School District of University City.”
CLAYTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
In a letter sent to parents, the Clayton School District said Yavitz is “substitute teacher who has been suspended by our District.” It noted that he was hired in October 2023 and worked as a substitute teacher at three district schools over the past year.
“At this time, we have no reports of misconduct between Mr. Yavitz and any of our students. That said, we are deeply troubled by this incident and are being proactive in communicating with you to ensure transparency,” the letter added.
SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY
“We are aware of the allegations and are deeply troubled by this situation. At this time, we have no information indicating any inappropriate behavior involving students receiving SSD services. However, we encourage students or family members with concerns to contact the University City Police Department.
Special School District and Parkway Schools sent [a letter] to all Parkway Central Middle families. We also felt it was important for parents of students in the essential skills classroom, where he worked as a teaching assistant for SSD, to hear from us directly. So we made personal phone calls to those families out of an abundance of caution.”
