Atwater leader of ‘student-aid fraud ring’ sentenced
A 37-year-old Atwater woman described as the leader of a “student-aid fraud ring” was sentenced to prison time and ordered to pay more than $300,000 in restitution, the U.S. Department of Justice reported Monday.
Piersha Dwan Woolridge was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anthony W. Ishii, who ordered her to serve four years and eight months in prison and to pay $347,732 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced Monday.
According to court documents, Woolridge was the leader of a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Education of student aid grants and loans. She submitted false financial aid applications to the University of Phoenix and Capella University on behalf of students who did not intend to attend either school.
“Federal student loan programs are intended to improve the long-term prospects of students committed to education and to create a more competitive economy for the nation,” Wagner said. “Those who rip off these programs are not only stealing from the taxpayer, they are taking money intended for deserving students.”
Those who rip off these programs are not only stealing from the taxpayer, they are taking money intended for deserving students.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner
Woolridge also used stolen identities to apply for college financial aid in the names of others, the department said. She stole more than $370,000 in grants and loans, according to the department.
Natalie Forbort, special agent in charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Western Regional Office, said she is proud of the work of agents and other law enforcement officers who helped shut down the “student-aid fraud ring.”
“OIG is committed to fighting student financial aid fraud, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who participate in these types of crimes,” she said.
On July 11, 2013, a jury found co-defendant Keith Woolridge guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft after a three-day jury trial. He was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.
Other participants in the scheme received prison sentences after pleading guilty: Yvette August was sentenced to two years and one month; Kim Gray was sentenced to two years and four months; and Sherise Woolridge was sentenced to four years and six months.
This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Atwater leader of ‘student-aid fraud ring’ sentenced."