Former program director Theodore T. Pride, III has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for his role in a massive $684,644 fraud against Detroit Public Schools (DPS). The 38-year-old Detroit resident pleaded guilty to federal program fraud after submitting fraudulent invoices for non-existent tutorial services.
Acting United States Attorney Daniel Lemisch announced the sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge Bernard A. Friedman. FBI Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios and DPS Inspector General Bernadette Kakooza were also present at the announcement.
Pride’s scheme spanned 2011 to 2012, during which time he served as the resident agent and program director of Priority: My Education, a supplemental educational service provider approved by the State of Michigan. According to court records, Pride’s fraudulent activities began while the school district was seeking to improve education for its students.
Agents from the FBI and the Office of Inspector General for the DPS investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison prosecuted it. The sentence is a significant blow to white-collar crime in the area, reflecting the government’s commitment to holding corrupt officials accountable.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force (DACTF), which includes agents and officers from various law enforcement agencies such as the Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The task force is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies in combating public corruption.
Pride’s sentence sends a clear message that fraud against educational institutions will not be tolerated. DPS and its students are now one step closer to recovering from this financial setback, as the corrupt official faces the consequences of his actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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