Karen Littlefair, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2020

California Woman Admits to College Admissions Scam

BOSTON, MA - In a shocking turn of events, a California woman has pleaded guilty to her involvement in a high-profile college admissions scandal. Karen Littlefair, 57, of Newport Beach, California, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in federal court in Boston.

According to the investigation, Littlefair paid approximately $9,000 to have an individual take online classes for her son, in order to earn credits to facilitate his graduation from Georgetown University. The individual, allegedly an employee of William 'Rick' Singer's for-profit college counseling business, The Edge College & Career Network ('The Key'), completed four classes for Littlefair's son at Georgetown and elsewhere.

Littlefair's son graduated from Georgetown, using the credits earned by the Key employee, in May 2018. This is just the latest in a series of scandals involving high-profile individuals and institutions. Singer, the mastermind behind the scheme, has already pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the government's investigation.

The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. However, according to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of four months in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $9,500, and restitution.

Littlefair's sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2020. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O'Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling's Securities and Financial Fraud Unit.

The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed not guilty unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the lengths to which some individuals will go to secure a spot at a top-tier university are truly staggering. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and fairness in the college admissions process.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/california-woman-pleads-guilty-college-admissions-case