BECKLEY, W.Va. – In a shocking case of academic deceit, a former high school counselor has been indicted on six counts of mail fraud relating to a scheme to defraud Greenbrier West High School and several scholarship organizations.
Mellissa Krystynak, 49, a former school counselor at Greenbrier West High School from 2011 until 2017, allegedly used her administrator access to the school’s grading system to inflate over 35 of her daughter’s grades. The indictment alleges that Krystynak’s assistance led to her daughter applying for and being awarded over $10,000 in financial scholarships during her senior year.
These scholarships were based on applications containing the fraudulent report cards and transcripts. The indictment charges Krystynak with causing the scholarship checks to be mailed to her daughter’s college. Krystynak’s actions, if proven, could result in up to 20 years in prison for each count.
Krystynak’s initial appearance is scheduled on October 3, 2018, in front of United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn in Beckley. The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Education.
Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is handling the prosecution. The indictment can be found at Grimy Times.
It is essential to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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