U.S. Department
of Justice
Investigations of College Admissions and Testing Bribery Scheme
Dozens of individuals involved in a nationwide conspiracy that facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and the admission of students to elite universities as purported athletic recruits were arrested by federal agents in multiple states and charged in documents unsealed on March 12, 2019, in federal court in Boston. Athletic coaches from Yale, Stanford, USC, Wake Forest and Georgetown, among others, are implicated, as well as parents and exam administrators.
Individuals who have questions or inquiries about this case may send an email to the following address: USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov
Below is a list of the defendants. The charging documents are attached at the bottom of this page.
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
William Rick SINGER 19-CR-10078- RWZ |
Racketeering conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy; conspiracy to defraud US; obstruction of justice |
1/4/2023 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Zobel. 3/12/2019 - Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government's investigation. |
6 years in prison 3 years of supervised release Restitution of $10,668,841 million to the IRS Forfeiture of $8.7 million |
42 months in prison 3 years of supervised release Restitution of $10,668,841 to the IRS Forfeiture of $8.7 million |
|
Rudolph “Rudy” MEREDITH 19-CR-10075- MLW |
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud; honest services wire fraud |
11/9/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Wolf. 3/28/2019 - Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government's investigation. |
Time served 1 year of supervised release 50 hours of community service Forfeiture of $557,774 |
5 months in prison 1 year of supervised release $19,000 fine Forfeiture of $557,774 |
|
Mark RIDDELL 19-CR-10074-NMG |
Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering |
4/8/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton. 4/12/2019 - Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government's investigation. |
4 months in prison 2 years of supervised release Forfeiture of $239,449 |
4 months in prison 2 years of supervised release $1,000 fine Forfeiture of $239,449 |
|
John VANDEMOER 19-cr-10079-RWZ |
Conspiracy to commit racketeering |
6/12/2019 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Zobel. 3/12/2019 - Defendant pled guilty. |
13 months in prison 1 year of supervised release |
1 day in prison (deemed served) 2 years of supervised release with the first 6 months to be served in home detention $10,000 fine |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory ABBOTT | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/8/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/22/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
8 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $40,000 |
1 month in prison 1 year of supervised release 250 hours of community service Fine of $45,000 |
| Marcia ABBOTT | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/8/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/22/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
8 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $40,000 |
1 month in prison 1 year of supervised release 250 hours of community service Fine of $45,000 |
| Jane BUCKINGHAM | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/23/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/24/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
6 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $40,000 |
3 weeks in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $40,000 |
| Gordon CAPLAN | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/3/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/21/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
8 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $40,000 |
1 month in prison 1 year of supervised release 250 hours of community service Fine of $50,000 |
| Robert FLAXMAN | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/18/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/24/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
8 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $40,000 |
1 month in prison 1 year of supervised release 250 hours of community service Fine of $50,000 |
| Felicity HUFFMAN | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
9/13/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/13/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
1 month in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $20,000 |
14 days in prison 1 year of supervised release 250 hours of community service Fine of $30,000 |
| Agustin HUNEEUS Jr. | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/4/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/21/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
15 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $95,000 |
5 months in prison 2 years of supervised release 500 hours of community service Fine of $100,000 |
| Marjorie KLAPPER | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/16/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/24/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
4 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $20,000
|
3 weeks in prison 1 year of supervised release 250 hours of community service Fine of $9,500 |
| Peter Jan SARTORIO | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/11/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/22/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
1 month in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $9,500 |
1 year of probation 250 hours of community service Fine of $9,500 |
| Stephen SEMPREVIVO | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
9/26/2019 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/7/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
18 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $95,000 Forfeiture and restitution |
4 months in prison 2 years of supervised release 500 hours of community service Fine of $100,000 |
| Devin SLOANE | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
9/24/2019 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani 5/13/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
1 year and 1 day in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $75,000 |
4 months in prison 2 years of supervised release 500 hours of community service Fine of $95,000 |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davina ISACKSON | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
6/28/2022 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Saris. 5/1/2019 – Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government's investigation. |
Time served |
1 year of probation 250 hours of community service Fine of $1,000 |
| Bruce ISACKSON | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud; money laundering conspiracy; and conspiracy to defraud the United States |
6/28/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Saris. 5/1/2019 – Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government's investigation. |
Time served |
1 year of probation 250 hours of community service Fine of $7,500 |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toby MACFARLANE | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
11/13/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton. 6/21/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
15 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $95,000 Forfeiture and restitution |
6 months in prison 1 year of supervised release 200 hours of community service Fine of $150,000 |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey BIZZACK | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/30/2019 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Woodlock. 7/24/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
9 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $75,000 Restitution |
2 months in prison 3 years of supervised release 300 hours of community service per year of supervised release Fine of $250,000 |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael CENTER | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
2/24/2020 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Stearns. 4/24/2019 – Defendant pled guilty. |
6 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $20,00 Forfeiture of $60,000 |
6 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Forfeiture of $60,000 |
Charged by Information - 1-CR-10463
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen LITTLEFAIR | Conspiracy to commit wire fraud |
7/15/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Burroughs. 1/22/2020 - Defendant pled guilty. |
4 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $9,500 |
5 weeks in prison 2 years of supervised release 300 hours of community service Fine of $209,000 |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Igor DVORSKIY 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit racketeering |
8/9/2022 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 11/13/19 - Defendant pled guilty. |
Time served 1 year of supervised release with 3 months home detention Forfeiture of $149,540 |
Time served 1 year of supervised release with 3 months of home detention Forfeiture of $149,540 |
|
Gordon ERNST 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery; federal programs bribery; wire fraud and honest services wire fraud – aiding and abetting; mail fraud and honest services mail fraud – aiding and abetting; money laundering – aiding and abetting; filing a false tax return |
7/1/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 10/25/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
|
4 years in prison 2 years of supervised release Forfeiture of $3,435,053 |
30 months in prison 2 years of supervised release with first 6 months spent in home confinement Forfeiture of $3,435,053 |
|
William FERGUSON 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud |
9/15/2021 - Defendant entered into deferred prosecution agreement for a period of two years.
|
||
|
Martin FOX 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit racketeering |
11/13/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani 11/15/2019 - Defendant pled guilty. |
6 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $95,000 Forfeiture of $245,000 |
3 months in prison 15 months of supervised release with the first 3 months in home confinement Fine of $95,000 Forfeiture of $245,000 250 hours of community service |
|
Donna HEINEL 19-CR-10081- IT |
Honest services wire fraud |
1/6/2023 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 11/5/2021 - Defendant pled guilty. |
2 years in prison 2 years of supervised release Forfeiture of $160,000 |
6 months in prison 2 years of supervised release Forfeiture of $160,000 |
|
Laura JANKE 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit racketeering |
6/28/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 5/14/2019 – Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation. |
Time served 1 year of supervised release 50 hours of community service Forfeiture of $129,213 |
1 year of supervised release 50 hours of community service Forfeiture of $129,213 |
|
Ali KHOSROSHAHIN 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit racketeering |
6/29/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 6/27/2019 – Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation. |
Time served 1 year of supervised release 100 hours of community service Forfeiture of $208,990 |
1 year of supervised release 6 months of home confinement Forfeiture of $208,990 |
|
Steven MASERA 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit racketeering |
5/13/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 6/27/2019 – Defendant pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation. |
Time served 1 year of supervised release |
Time served 3 years of supervised release $20,000 fine |
|
Jorge SALCEDO 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery |
3/19/2021 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 1/14/2021 - Defendant pled guilty. |
18 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $95,000 Forfeiture of $200,000 |
8 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Forfeiture of $200,000 |
|
Mikaela SANFORD 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit racketeering |
5/19/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 10/1/2020 - Defendant pled guilty.
|
Time served 1 year of supervised release 100 hours of community service Forfeiture of $67,062 |
Time served 1 year of supervised release Forfeiture of $67,062 |
|
Jovan VAVIC 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery; wire fraud and honest services wire fraud – aiding and abetting |
9/15/2022 - Defendant granted motion for new jury trial. 4/8/2022 - Defendant convicted by federal jury. 9/15/2022 - The Court ordered a new trial for the defendant in this case. Both parties have filed notices of appeal on the Court's new trial order. |
||
|
Niki WILLIAMS 19-CR-10081- IT |
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud |
12/21/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Talwani. 9/25/2020 - Defendant pled guilty. |
6 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Forfeiture of $20,000 |
1 year of probation Forfeiture of $12,500 |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaoning SUI | Federal programs bribery |
5/18/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Woodlock. 2/21/2020 - Defendant pled guilty. |
Time served Fine Forfeiture of $400,000 |
Time served Fine of $250,000 Forfeiture of $400,000 |
Charged by Information – 1:20-CR-10099
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter DAMERIS | Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
10/5/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Stearns. 6/2/2020 - Defendant pled guilty. |
Time served 21 months of home confinement Fine of $95,000 Restitution |
1 day in prison (deemed served) 3 years of supervised release Fine of $95,000 12 months of home confinement |
| Defendant | Charges | Case Status | Sentence Government Recommended | Sentence Court Imposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mark HAUSER |
Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud |
5/27/2021 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Woodlock. 9/21/2020 - Defendant pled guilty. |
6 months in prison 1 year of supervised release Fine of $40,000 Restitution |
2 months in prison 3 years of supervised release Fine of $250,000 300 hours of community service |
Charged by Indictment - 1:19-CR-10080
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud
7/15/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
3/13/2020 - Defendant pled guilty.
90 days in prison
1 year of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
90 days in prison
1 year of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
4/14/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
12/7/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
8 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $12,500
8 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $12,500
4/14/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
12/7/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
8 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $12,500
8 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $12,500
Gamal ABDELAZIZ
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery
2/9/22 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
10/8/2021 - Defendant convicted by federal jury.
5/10/2023 - The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the defendant’s jury conviction.
6/29/2023 – The Government moved to dismiss all criminal charges.
14 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
400 hours of community service
Fine of $250,000
12 months and 1 day in prison
2 years of supervised release
400 hours of community service
Fine of $250,000
Sentence has been vacated.
Diane BLAKE
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud
11/17/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
7/14/2020 - Defendant pled guilty.
6 weeks in prison
2 years of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $125,000
6 weeks in prison
2 years of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $125,000
Todd BLAKE
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering
11/17/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
7/14/2020 - Defendant pled guilty.
4 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $125,000
4 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $125,000
I-Hsin “Joey” CHEN
Wire fraud and honest services wire fraud
4/20/2022 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
12/15/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
9 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $75,000
9 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
100 hours of community service
Fine of $75,000
Mossimo GIANNULLI
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud
8/21/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
5/22/2020 - Defendant pled guilty.
5 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
250 hours of community service
5 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
250 hours of community service
Elizabeth HENRIQUEZ
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering
3/31/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
10/21/2019 - Defendant pled guilty.
26 months in prison
3 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,00
300 hours of community service
7 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $200,000
300 hours of community service
Self-surrender to BOP on June 30,2020
Manuel HENRIQUEZ
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering
7/29/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
10/21/2019 - Defendant pled guilty.
5 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $150,00
250 hours of community service
6 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $200,000
200 hours of community service
Douglas HODGE
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering
2/7/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
10/21/2019 - Defendant pled guilty.
24 months in prison
3 years of supervised release
Fine of $200,000
300 hours of community service
9 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $750,000
500 hours of community service
Michelle JANAVS
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering
2/25/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
10/21/2019 - Defendant pled guilty.
21 months in prison
3 years of supervised release
Fine of $175,00
250 hours of community service
5 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
Elisabeth KIMMEL
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud
12/9/2021 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
8/16/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
6 weeks in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
500 hours of community service
6 weeks in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
500 hours of community service
Lori LOUGHLIN
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud
8/21/2020 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
5/22/2020 - Defendant pled guilty.
2 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $150,000
100 hours of community service
2 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $150,000
100 hours of community service
William McGLASHAN
Wire fraud and honest services wire fraud
5/12/2021 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
2/10/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
3 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
250 hours of community service
3 months in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
250 hours of community service
Marci PALATELLA
Conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud
12/16/2021 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
8/25/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
6 weeks in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
500 hours of community service
6 weeks in prison
2 years of supervised release
Fine of $250,000
500 hours of community service
John WILSON
Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud; conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery; wire fraud and honest services wire fraud – aiding and abetting; federal programs bribery – aiding and abetting; filing a false tax return
9/29/2023 – Defendant sentenced by Judge Sorokin.
5/10/2023 - The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated all but one of the defendant’s jury conviction.
2/16/22 - Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
10/8/2021 - Defendant convicted by federal jury.
15 months in prison
1 year of supervised release
Fine of $100,000
250 hours of community service
Restitution of $88,546 to the IRS
1 year of probation with the first 6 months to be served in home detention
Fine of $75,000
250 hours of community service
Restitution of $88,546 to the IRS
Homayoun ZADEH
Filing a false tax return
11/10/2021- Defendant sentenced by Judge Gorton.
7/9/2021 - Defendant pled guilty.
6 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
Fine of $20,000
250 hours of community service
6 weeks in prison
1 year of supervised release
Fine of $20,000
250 hours of community service
Robert ZANGRILLO
1/19/2021 - Pardoned by former President Trump.