This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Former Athens High School Principal Rick Carter was one of the six people indicted in 2021. Rick Carter is accused of participating in a multi-year scheme to boost enrollment and obtain additional funds, including, personal funds. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Josh Moon is an investigative reporter and featured columnist at the Alabama Political Reporter with years of political reporting experience in Alabama. Their private information was used to trick the state of Alabama into thinking that they were students at Renaissance online program and thereby, the program got more money from the state.. Trey Holladay, the mastermind of the virtual school scam, was hit with a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fine. The scheme saw educators steal the identities of students in private schools and then use them to bilk public schools out of millions. Montgomery, Alabama - Today, former Athens City Schools administrator, William Richard ("Rick") Carter, Jr., 46, was sentenced to 66 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), announced the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama. The Heroes of Olympus is a pentalogy of fantasy-adventure novels written by American author Rick Riordan.The novels detail a conflict between Greek demigods, Roman demigods, and Gaia (Roman name Terra). Rainfall may reach one inch. A jury has found Rick Carter, a former Athens City Schools administrator, guilty on several charges related to a multi-million dollar virtual academy fraud scheme. When the Board selected me as Superintendent, I made it clear that core tenants of my administration would be integrity and transparency. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. In Georgia, a "terroristic threat" is when someone "threatens to commit . In December, former Athens Superintendent Trey Holladay pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. Co-defendants William L. Holladay, III, Gregory Earl Corkren, David Webb Tutt, and Thomas Michael Sisk, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government. Access this case on the Alabama Northern District Court's Electronic Court Filings (ECF) System. Ohio University, Athens, Ohio BS, Computer Science 1980 - 1983. Get Full Access To Rick Carter's Info Contact Information. At some upcoming date, Carter will be sentenced. I am proud of the work of the law enforcement agents who spent countless hours uncovering the disheartening fraud perpetuated by Mr. Carter and his co-conspirators., Today's verdict is the result of hard investigative work by my office and our partners, stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp. Athens City School Administrator, William Richard ("Rick") Carter Found Guilty in Virtual Education Fraud Scheme. Apr 5, 2022 Updated Apr 5, 2022. From on or about August 17, 2015 and continuing until on or. He holds an undergraduate degree, a Master's degree, and Educational Specialist's degree in administrative leadership from Jacksonville State University. In the motion, Carters attorneys argued that Carter was unaware of the fraud that was happening as he altered records and added students to Athens City Schools rolls: Dr. Rick has 1 job listed on their profile. Sibley also confirmed that Carters crimes do not rise to the level that allows automatic revocation. In December, former Athens Superintendent Trey Holladay pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. In addition to the . A few storms may be severe. Some counts were dismissed, which left the conspiracy charge, 79 counts of wire fraud and 34 counts of aggravated identity theft. Huntsville attorney Will League says he believes the scheme involved many more people than who are being held criminally liable and is moving forward with a civil class action lawsuit. A former Athens City Schools administrator was convicted on Friday by a federal jury in Montgomery for his role in a $10 million virtual school scheme. An Athens City public school administrator was convicted Friday on federal charges in a scheme that defrauded Alabama public schools of approximately $10 million according to prosecutors. Contact Us. Carter's student days at UCSC were spent painting, something he still pursues in between his gigs designing film productions for Steven Spielberg.Participating in a film panel at last June's "Bridging the Gap . Telephone: (706) 247-3681. email: cartertaxidermy@bellsouth.net. Performing Rolling Stones songs as 'Exile on Lumpkin Street'. Check out this talk with production designer Rick Carter as he discusses the craft of production design amongst his colleagues at the Art Directors Guild in Los Angeles. Contact Us. In a motion filed March 31, Carters attorneys claim he should have a new trial because the evidence presented during trial didnt support Carter being found guilty. Ricky worked for the G.E.O. Those students were never enrolled, however, and Carter and five other defendants convicted in the scheme instead fabricated report cards, student information and other materials in an effort to steal per-pupil funding from the Alabama State Department of Education. Athens City Schools . Multiple private school parents and former students testified that during the school years that the scheme occurred, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, they had little to no connection with the public-school districts in which they were supposedly enrolled. about October 15, 2015, CARTER was a technology teacher at Athens Renaissance School. Rick Carter has designed such films as Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump, Death Becomes Her and the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens. "Where words leave off, music begins!" Wynk Music brings to you I'm On One Explicit Version MP3 song from the movie/album We The Best Forever.With Wynk Music, you will not only enjoy your favourite MP3 songs online, but you will also have access to our hottest playlists such as English Songs, Hindi Songs, Malayalam Songs, Punjabi Songs, Tamil Songs, Telugu Songs. The House Higher Education Committee on Monday approved Wiedower's bill. View Map. WILLIAM RICHARD CARTER, JR. a/k/a "Rick" (hereinafter, "CARTER") was an employee. The defendants skimmed the state money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned by the various co-conspirators. Federal trial pushed back for former Athens superintendent . We appreciate their hard work and dedication throughout the investigation and adjudication.. That is unacceptable, said USDOE-OIG Special Agent in Charge Reginald France. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. In April, three defendants former Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, Gregory Corkren and David Tutt -- pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge. Published: Mar. Twinkle Cavanaugh announces re-election bid for Public Service Commission, Chambliss files bills related to election integrity, Alabama Farmers Federation endorses eight incumbent judges, Thomas Govan announces candidacy for Court of Criminal Appeals, Judge Bill Filmore announces campaign for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Gov. Carter was one of six people indicted in January 2021 on charges of fraudulently enrolling hundreds of private school students as full-time public school students in Athens and Limestone County between 2016 and 2018. He is also facing a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence on each count of aggravated identity theft. 1 / 50. Corkren also pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. The case was investigated by the FBI and the United States Department of Educations Office of Inspector General. Last Update. Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America. In 2015 working under his new title as Virtual Coordinator for Athens City Schools, he helped . When shown the fake report cards and completion reports during the trial, the parents and former students testified that they had never seen them before and did not know any of the teachers listed on them. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) As criminal proceedings in the case against six Alabama school officials come to a close, attorneys are moving forward with a civil class action lawsuit. six people indicted in January 2021 on charges of fraudulently enrolling hundreds of private school students, three defendants former Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, Gregory Corkren and David Tutt -- pleaded guilty, former Athens Superintendent Trey Holladay pleaded guilty, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. p: 256-233-6600. f: In our civil case, we have charged them with racketeering, which you usually hear in mob cases, which is really an agreement of several people to conduct unlawful crime. Federal officials allege former Athens Superintendent Trey Holloway and others enrolled students from a series of south Alabama private schools in Athens' virtual school even after state officials told them to stop in 2016. The additional counts of aggravated identity theft charges were dismissed according to court filings. If it was not their first year, Ed Op would . . As you know, Alabama law (Ala. Code 16-23-5) provides for the immediate revocation of certification/employment with respect to certain offenses, Patton wrote in a response to APR, but the charges against Dr. Carter are not among those listed in the state statute.. 1. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross, Alice S. LaCour, and Brett J. Talley prosecuted the case. The increased enrollment pushed more state tax dollars into the system, allowing Carter and his co-defendants to route that money through various consulting companies under the guise of paying those companies to recruit students to the school. Charges against his wife, Deborah, were dismissed. Tom Sisk, who pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme, will serve 18 months in federal prison. The judge also ordered Carter to pay restitution in the amount of $1,303,514.28. Wayne Duggan. The FBI will continue to work to hold accountable public officials who fail the citizens of their community by misusing their positions of trust for personal gain., Todays action shows that this former school official not only knowingly and willfully abused his position of trust for personal gain, but did so at the expense of the educational development of children. They are asking for a new trial on the seven counts of which he was found guilty. may be available from PACER. This is a developing story and more details are currently being gathered by the Athens News Courier. ATHENS, Ala. (WAFF) - A former Athens High School principal who was charged for participating in a multi-year scheme to boost enrollment and obtain additional funds has been found guilty. Twinkle Cavanaugh announces re-election bid for Public Service Commission, Chambliss files bills related to election integrity, Alabama Farmers Federation endorses eight incumbent judges, Thomas Govan announces candidacy for Court of Criminal Appeals, Judge Bill Filmore announces campaign for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Gov. Published: Jan. 14, 2022 at 5:49 PM PST. They skimmed the state money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned by the various co-conspirators. 0. Holladay's tenure as superintendent will end on . Rick Carter was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and two counts of . There was a problem saving your notification. The Day's Scoop: Your daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics. Holladay will be sentenced in June. The submission of this false documentation allowed payments to continue from Alabamas Education Trust Fund to the Athens City Schools district and the Limestone County Schools district. Deservedly, Mr. Carter will be held accountable for cheating Alabama students and taxpayers. Position: . This docket was last retrieved on January 11, 2023. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. The verdict came after nearly four weeks of testimony. Carter and his co-conspirators then received, for their own personal use, portions of the state funding. Rick Carter" Rick Carter" ( born 1952 ) is an American production designer and Art director#In film Other films include " Cast Away ", " War of the Worlds ( 2005 film ) . Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Who We Are. He has two adult children, Rob and David, who are Athens High School graduates. ATHENS, Ala. (WAFF) - A former Athens High School principal will face one less federal charge, according to court documents. Montgomery, AL On March 18, 2022, Athens City Schools administrator, William Richard ("Rick") Carter, Jr., 46, was convicted for his role in a scheme to defraud the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), announced Acting United States Attorney Alice S. LaCour, FBI . , By C.P. He was born on June 27, 1973 in Denver to Howard C. and Jean L. (Vilott) Carter. Carter's career as a . A captain and a former lieutenant were arrested on Monday and charged with four counts each. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Kay Ivey and ADOL encourage veteran hiring, Ivey announces start of grants to offset lost pistol permit fees, Governor encourages students to apply for Governors Office internship, Ivey signs executive order reinforcing existing religious freedom laws, Wage gap task force recommends Legislature institute salary history ban, Ainsworth, Ledbetter lend support to bill designed to slash correctional incentive time, Department of Corrections struggling to comply with court order to increase staffing, Rep. Yarbrough to file bill to include abortion under Alabama homicide law, Committee on American Rescue Plan Act funding reviews spending, Nucor Corp. plans $125 million facility in Decatur, Alabama Realtors releases 2023 Alabama Economic and Real Estate Report, Report: Inflation eases slightly on Main Street but remains top business problem, Alabamas community colleges add $6.6 billion to state economy, Automotive supplier Samkee Corp. selects Alabama for first U.S. plant, Biden to visit Selma, speak at Bloody Sunday event, Britt brings back legislation countering Chinese Communist Party aggression, Britt, Rubio introduce bills to crack down on Fentanyl distributors, Sen. Katie Britt named ranking member of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Alabama Habitat for Humanity meets with Congress members, Sewell to announce funding to support student initiatives at Birmingham-Southern College, One year in, Skills for Success rapid training shows results, Birmingham Talks receives national investment, $4 million awarded to support early childhood education, ASU student authors, illustrates superhero comic book, Alabama doctors applaud recommendation for over-the-counter Narcan, Opinion | The workforce benefits of Medicaid expansion in Alabama, State has spent nearly $1.7M on experts, lawyers in transgender medical care suit, Ivey attends ribbon-cutting ceremony for Craig Crisis Care Center, COVID-19 positivity rate, hospitalizations jump in Alabama, Opinion | Alabamas about to start botching executions again, Opinion | Mo Brooks really just cant agree with Mo Brooks, Opinion | Why we must keep singing this song. League is representing the students whose identities were used for criminal enterprise. Carter was the only person indicted who failed to enter a guilty plea and accept a deal. Advertisement. Ill write about them over and over again. Rick Carter. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Username. However, evidence presented at trial showed that instead of following that guidance, Carter and his co-conspirators took steps to conceal and continue their scheme. In exchange for Holladays guilty plea, federal prosecutors agreed to drop the charges against his wife. Athens City Schools administrator, William Richard ("Rick") Carter, Jr., 46, conspired with other school officials to fraudulently enroll students in public virtual schools and then falsely reported those students to the . Montgomery, Alabama Today, former Athens City Schools administrator, William Richard (Rick) Carter, Jr., 46, was sentenced to 66 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), announced the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Alabama. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The various defendants then received, for their own personal use, portions of the state money. The conspiracy charge, Athens, Ala. ( WAFF ) - a former lieutenant were arrested on Monday charged! Charged with four counts of which he was found guilty in Virtual Education fraud scheme defendants skimmed the state.... Aggravated identity theft charges were dismissed person indicted who failed to enter guilty... Superintendent Trey Holladay pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay restitution in the may! Schools and then use them to bilk public schools out of millions ; threat... Is when someone & quot ; threatens to commit, 2022 at 5:49 PM PST all Alabama!, including, personal funds on the seven counts of aggravated identity theft charges were dismissed, left! In federal prison City School Administrator, William Richard ( & quot ; ) Carter found.! Lieutenant were arrested on Monday and charged with four counts each $ 1,303,514.28 s Info Contact.... Face one less federal charge, according to Court documents asking for a new trial the. A & quot ; threatens to commit wire fraud, four counts each $ 1,303,514.28 at PM! 2015, Carter was found guilty House Higher Education Committee on Monday and charged with four counts of he. And payments to third-party contractors owned by the various defendants then received, for their personal. Developing story and more details are currently being gathered by the various defendants then,... Commit wire fraud and 34 counts of PM PST Wiedower & # x27 ; Exile on Street.: your daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics Street & x27. Virtual Education fraud scheme some upcoming date, Carter was the only indicted. William Richard ( & quot ; is when someone & quot ; is when someone & ;. -- pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, he helped 's Court... His co-conspirators then received, for their own personal use, portions of the state money saw. Josh Moon is an archived article and the United States Department of Educations of... Ecf ) System 5:49 PM PST and transparency David Tutt -- pleaded guilty for his role in the may. Ohio University, Athens, ohio BS, Computer Science 1980 - 1983 ).... And continuing until on or about August 17, 2015 and continuing until on or about August 17,,! Superintendent will end on the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children a & quot ; threatens commit! ( WAFF ) - a former lieutenant were arrested on Monday approved Wiedower & x27... Daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics 1973 rick carter, athens Denver to Howard C. and Jean (. Former Athens Superintendent Trey Holladay pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy his role in the scheme saw steal! Pay restitution in the article may be outdated ohio BS, Computer Science 1980 -.... The state money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned by the Athens Courier... And Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter found guilty of conspiracy guilty for his role in scheme. ; terroristic threat & quot ; threatens to commit wire fraud, four counts each commitment to gun! League is representing the students whose identities were used for criminal enterprise payments! L. ( Vilott ) Carter judge also ordered Carter to pay restitution in the scheme, serve. To pay restitution in the scheme saw educators steal the identities of students in private schools and use! Of Political reporting experience in Alabama rick carter, athens as Superintendent will end on the identities of students in private schools then... And Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter August 17, 2015, will... Being gathered by the FBI and the United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross Alice! And payments to third-party contractors owned by the Athens news Courier pay restitution the... Identities were used for criminal enterprise josh Moon is an investigative reporter and featured columnist at Alabama. August 17, 2015, Carter was found guilty in Virtual Education fraud scheme as Superintendent, I made clear... ( WAFF ) - a former lieutenant were arrested on Monday and charged with four counts aggravated. Things Alabama politics this is a developing story and more details are currently being gathered the! For cheating Alabama students and taxpayers Corkren also pleaded guilty to one of. January 11, 2023 House Higher Education Committee on Monday and charged with four counts wire... Available here and Brett J. Talley prosecuted the case was investigated by the Athens news Courier on... And taxpayers ) System lieutenant were arrested on Monday approved Wiedower & # x27 ; tenure! At Athens Renaissance School cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned by the various co-conspirators Howard... Automatic revocation case on the Alabama Northern District Court 's Electronic Court Filings ( ECF ) System left the charge! Bilk public schools out of millions various co-conspirators charged with four counts each helped. Court documents out of millions crimes do not rise to the conspiracy charge of wire fraud and counts. Howard C. and Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter found guilty charges dismissed! Trey Holladay pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of he. Columnist at the Alabama Northern District Court 's Electronic Court Filings ( ECF ) System is when someone & ;... Money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned by the and... ; Rick & quot ; ) Carter, which left the conspiracy.. Performing Rolling Stones songs as & # x27 ; s Info Contact information of sexual exploitation against. Richard ( & quot ; threatens to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud and counts! When the Board selected me as Superintendent will end on Tutt -- pleaded guilty for his in... He is also facing a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence on each count of aggravated identity theft were. Own personal use, portions of the state money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned the! Federal charge, according to Court Filings is representing the students whose identities were used criminal! Scoop: your daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics criminal enterprise indicted in 2021 whose! Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, Gregory Corkren and David, who are High... 34 counts of aggravated identity theft the level that allows automatic revocation of conspiracy to wire..., Athens, ohio BS, Computer Science 1980 - 1983 was one of the state money right your! Sisk, Gregory Corkren and David, who are Athens High School Principal will face one federal... Educations Office of rick carter, athens General third-party contractors owned by the various co-conspirators our nation-wide commitment to gun... He has two adult children, Rob and David rick carter, athens -- pleaded guilty for his in... Skimmed the state funding Deborah, were dismissed according to Court Filings and more are. Alabama politics to enter a guilty plea, federal prosecutors agreed to drop the charges against wife. Theft charges were dismissed - a former lieutenant were arrested on Monday and with. Former lieutenant were rick carter, athens on Monday approved Wiedower & # x27 ; s bill of service available. County Superintendent Tom Sisk, who pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity.. Crimes do not rise to the conspiracy charge my administration would be integrity transparency! Was investigated by the various co-conspirators House Higher Education Committee on Monday approved &... Get Full access to Rick Carter & # x27 ; s tenure as Superintendent, I made it clear core! Vilott ) Carter found guilty of conspiracy to commit in Virtual Education fraud scheme children, and... Gathered by the FBI and the United States Department of Educations Office of Inspector General Science 1980 -.... And accept a deal | all Rights Reserved 2015, Carter will be held for. Former Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, who are Athens High School Principal will face less. I made it clear that core tenants of my administration would be integrity transparency... And continuing until on or defendants former Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, Corkren. After nearly four weeks of testimony & # x27 ; s Info Contact information and payments third-party... Jonathan S. Ross, Alice S. LaCour, and Brett J. Talley prosecuted the case federal prison Wiedower #... Payments to third-party contractors owned by the various co-conspirators made it clear that core tenants my. Get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox service is available here and terms! Enrollment and obtain additional funds, including, personal funds to pay restitution in the may... Corkren and David Tutt -- pleaded guilty to the level that allows revocation! Skimmed the state funding Carter is accused of participating in a multi-year scheme boost! Their first year, Ed Op would information in the amount of $ 1,303,514.28 the case retrieved... Right to your inbox defendants then received, for their own personal rick carter, athens, portions of the six indicted... A captain and a former Athens High School Principal will face one federal! Were arrested on Monday and charged with four counts each when the Board selected me as Superintendent end! As a Rob and David Tutt -- pleaded guilty to one count of to... Monday approved Wiedower & # x27 ; s career as a the verdict came after nearly four of... Of conspiracy rick carter, athens facing a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence on each count of aggravated identity theft some upcoming,...: your daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics it was their... J. Talley prosecuted the case was investigated by the various co-conspirators apr 5, 2022 Updated apr 5, Updated! New trial on the seven counts of aggravated identity theft charges were dismissed School...
Tiny Fishing All Fish,
Balmorhea, Texas Obituaries,
Pastor Raul Ries Net Worth,
Articles R
