Press Release
Former Detroit Public Schools Accountant, Teacher Found Guilty Of Fraud And Money Laundering Charges
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Michigan
Sandra Campbell, 57 a former Detroit Public Schools contract accountant and School Board candidate, and her daughter, Domonique Campbell, 38, a Detroit Public Schools teacher, were convicted today by a federal jury in Detroit on charges of program fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and tax charges, following a five-week jury trial, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today. The jury returned its verdict after only one and one half hours of deliberations.
McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III and Special Agent in Charge, Erick Martinez, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
The evidence presented at trial established that between 2004 and 2008, Sandra Campbell and Domonique Campbell, obtained in excess of $530,000.00 from the Detroit Public Schools through a fraudulent scheme in which orders were placed with the Campbells’ sham company for books and educational materials never provided to the schools. Sandra Campbell and Domonique Campbell conspired to launder the fraud proceeds and to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and failed to report the money they fraudulently obtained from the Detroit Public Schools as income on their tax returns.
United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said, "Anyone who considers defrauding our schools should take note that we are scrutinizing records and conduct, and will prosecute those who steal funds intended to educate our children."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley stated, "The FBI would like to thank all of our partners who continue to assist us in battling corruption. In particular, I would like to note the continued support of DPS Inspector General Van Marsh and his team. The actions of these subjects do nothing more than steal the opportunity for quality education from our children. Such actions cannot be tolerated and will be pursued by the FBI and its partners.”
IRS Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez stated, “"Those who profit at the expense of our children and steal from our community will be held accountable for their greedy actions".
The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI, IRS and Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of Detroit Public Schools, Office of Inspector General. The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Michael Buckley and Bruce Judge of the Public Corruption Unit.
Updated March 19, 2015
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