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$5M Student Aid Scam Foiled in Phoenix
PHOENIX – In a shocking case of financial deceit, three Phoenix residents have been sentenced for their roles in a massive student aid scam. The scheme, which aimed to obtain over $5 million in federally-insured student aid, has been brought to a close with the sentencing of Jacqueline Scroggins, Amethyst Nicole Henderson, and Jamar Britt.
According to court documents, Scroggins, 53, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment, followed by 100 hours of community service, for her role in the conspiracy and mail fraud. Henderson, 30, of Phoenix, Ariz., received 27 months’ imprisonment and 50 hours community service for her guilty plea to conspiracy and financial aid fraud. Britt, 36, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and 50 hours community service for his guilty plea to conspiracy.
The scheme, which involved the application for aid in the names of approximately 483 people who did not plan to attend college, resulted in the payment of approximately $1,669,166 in student aid to the College District and the conspirators. The total attempted loss was estimated at $5,295,116.
The investigation into the case was a collaborative effort between the Department of Education – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Frederick A. Battista, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars and upholding the integrity of the financial aid system. As the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to crack down on financial crimes, it is clear that those who seek to exploit the system will face severe consequences.
The sentencing of Scroggins, Henderson, and Britt brings a sense of closure to this complex case. However, it also highlights the need for continued vigilance in the face of emerging threats to the financial aid system.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
RELATED: Boston Lawyer Accused of $2M Client Heist
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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