Canton Couple, Richard and Adale Ceroni, Defrauding Department Of Education, Ohio 2023

A Canton couple, Richard 'Richard' Ceroni, 64, and Adale 'Marie' Ceroni, 62, both of Canton, Ohio, were indicted for engaging in a conspiracy to defraud the United States Department of Education of more than $2.3 million.

The indictment alleges that the Ceronis, along with their employee, Tammy Pyle, 43, of Waynesburg, Ohio, obtained fake high school diplomas for prospective students, fraudulently applied for financial aid on their behalf, and then enrolled them in the college that the couple operated, Carnegie Career College.

The Ceronis were co-founders of Carnegie Career College, a private not-for-profit college that offered associate degrees and certificate programs, including blood drawing. Richard Ceroni was the dean and director of education, while Marie Ceroni was the director of the college and responsible for financial matters.

The indictment also alleges that Richard Ceroni was the founder of Historical Chapel Ministries, a tax-exempt charitable organization, and that the Ceronis held themselves out as ministers. However, it did not have regular services or congregants.

The Ceronis were charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to launder money, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity, and making a false statement.

The indictment alleges that the Ceronis used the stolen money to buy jewelry, lingerie, cruises, and a Vegas vacation. The scheme began around 2002, when Richard Ceroni applied to participate in the federal student financial aid program, and continued until at least 2010, when Carnegie College moved its branch campus to a commercial building in North Canton.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, and the IRS Criminal Investigation.

The Ceronis are currently facing serious charges and a possible lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The case serves as a reminder that the federal student aid program is intended to help students pursue higher education, not to be used as a personal slush fund.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant/Respondent: Richard 'Richard' Ceroni, Adale 'Marie' Ceroni, Tammy Pyle

Exact Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity, making a false statement

City and State: Canton, Ohio

Exact Date: Not specified

Sentence or Outcome: Currently facing charges

Dollar Amounts: $2.3 million

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/canton-couple-indicted-defrauding-department-education-out-23-million