Rick Singer, the man prosecutors call the “architect and mastermind” of the nationwide college admissions bribery scheme, was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison Wednesday. The scheme, which ensnared celebrities, prominent businesspeople and other parents who used their wealth and privilege to buy their kids’ way into top-tier schools, embarrassed some of the nation’s most prestigious universities and put a spotlight on the secretive admissions system already seen as rigged in favor of the rich.
Singer pleaded guilty in March 2019 to charges of racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice.
Prosecutors had sought six years behind bars, noting Singer’s extensive cooperation that helped authorities unravel the entire scheme.
The college admissions bribery scheme involved Singer and his associates helping wealthy parents get their children into elite universities by bribing college officials and coaches, as well as helping students cheat on college entrance exams. Singer also accepted bribes from parents to falsely designate their children as recruited athletes to gain admissions.
The sentencing of Singer marks the end of the college admissions bribery scandal, which has resulted in the convictions of dozens of people, including parents, coaches, and college officials. Singer’s sentence is the longest of any of the defendants.
There is a repeated sentence in this one.
Thank you. Fixed.