CANTON, OHIO — Canton couple John ‘Richard’ Ceroni, 64, and Adale ‘Marie’ Cernoni, 62, along with employee Tammy Pyle, 43, have been indicted for a staggering conspiracy to defraud the United States Department of Education out of over $2.3 million. The trio allegedly obtained fake high school diplomas,骗取学生资助，并将学生录取至他们所经营的大学。
According to a seven-count indictment, all three face charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Richard and Adale Ceroni are also charged with one count of conspiracy to launder money and four counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity. Richard Ceroni faces an additional charge of making a false statement.
United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach labeled the defendants’ actions as a theft of millions intended for student education, noting their expenditures on luxury items like jewelry and vacations. ‘We will continue to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of federal programs wherever we find it,’ Dettelbach said.
Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland office emphasized the significant financial loss to taxpayers. ‘They are now being brought to justice thanks to a collaborative effort,’ he added.
Thomas D. Utz Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, highlighted the misuse of federal student aid. ‘Federal student aid exists so that individuals can pursue their higher education dreams, not as a personal slush fund,’ he stated.
Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office, emphasized the legality of operating a non-profit college. ‘Operating a not-for-profit college does not give you a license to steal,’ she said.
The Ceronis were co-founders of Carnegie Career College, which claimed to offer associate degrees and certificate programs since at least 2003. The couple also founded Historical Chapel Ministries (HCM), another tax-exempt charitable organization registered in the same location as Carnegie College.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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