Being accused of fraud in Texas can cause worry and fear for those who are facing penalties if there is a conviction. A story that has generated significant attention recently is known as “Operation Varsity Blues,” the college admissions scandal. This has impacted parents and school employees. Recently, a former tennis coach received a six-month jail sentence.
A 55-year-old man who was a tennis coach at the University of Texas at Austin was convicted and sentenced for accepting a bribe of $100,000. He made a guilty plea in April 2019 for several fraud-related charges. The bribe was to get a prospective student admitted to the college as a student-athlete. The student did not play competitive tennis, but was placed on the team roster in 2015. Another man who was the president of a local tennis academy also pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy. His sentencing will be in May.
The entire admissions scandal has engulfed Hollywood celebrities Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin. It was allegedly masterminded by one man in 2014. Parents paid for their children to be admitted to the schools under the pretense of being student-athletes. It was later found that their athletic achievements were generally non-existent. Ms. Huffman was sentenced to two weeks in jail. Ms. Loughlin’s case is ongoing.
Allegations of fraud can come in many ways including mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud and insurance fraud. People might simply be under the impression that what they are doing is getting results faster and the act is not a legal violation. Sometimes people get caught up in a larger investigation and are accused of fraud. Regardless of the situation and its scope, it might be beneficial to have legal assistance. A law firm experienced in fraud cases may help.
