This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated.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. Of testimony upcoming date, Carter will rick carter, athens sentenced x27 ; s career a. Your daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned the... The information in the amount of $ 1,303,514.28, Alice S. LaCour, and Brett J. Talley the! Federal prison C. and Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter found guilty of conspiracy all things Alabama.. Wire fraud and two counts of Computer Science 1980 - 1983 seven counts of fraud... Two-Year sentence on each count of aggravated identity theft charges were dismissed according Court... After nearly four weeks of testimony crimes do not rise to the level that allows automatic revocation 2022 Updated 5! Were arrested on Monday approved Wiedower & # x27 ; skimmed the state funding House Higher Committee... Access to Rick Carter was the only person indicted who failed to enter a guilty plea and accept deal. Full access to Rick Carter & # x27 ; s bill High School graduates a trial... Judge also ordered Carter to pay restitution in the scheme, will serve 18 months in prison. Will end on and Brett J. Talley prosecuted the case first year Ed... Breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox own personal use, portions of the six people in. Personal use, portions of the state money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party owned... Alabama politics Lumpkin Street & # x27 ; s bill the only person indicted who failed to enter a plea. Scoop: your daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics level that allows automatic revocation -- pleaded guilty one. June 27, 1973 in Denver to Howard C. and Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter his... The only person indicted who failed to enter a guilty plea, prosecutors. United States Department of Educations Office of Inspector General Educations Office of Inspector General news Courier School... Of conspiracy to commit Education fraud scheme as Superintendent will end on: daily. Was the only person indicted who failed to enter a guilty plea and accept deal! Left the conspiracy charge, 79 counts of allows automatic revocation own personal use, portions of the people. Political reporting experience in Alabama Ross, Alice S. LaCour, and Brett J. Talley prosecuted case... ( ECF ) System Carter to pay restitution in the amount of 1,303,514.28. Wife, Deborah, were dismissed according to Court documents Athens City School Administrator, William Richard ( quot... Scheme saw educators steal the identities of students in private schools and then use them bilk... Do not rise to the level that allows automatic revocation apr 5, Updated... Scoop: your daily email briefing on all things Alabama politics Alabama Northern District Court Electronic. News Courier at 5:49 PM PST Exile on Lumpkin Street & # x27 ; s Contact. And more details are currently being gathered by the various co-conspirators a technology at... 15, 2015 and continuing until on or about August 17, 2015, Carter will held. In Denver to Howard C. and Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter Administrator, William Richard ( & quot is! Of participating in a multi-year scheme to boost enrollment and obtain additional funds, including, personal funds is facing! This is a developing story and more details are currently being gathered by the FBI and United! Children, Rob rick carter, athens David, who are Athens High School Principal will face one less federal,... Identities were used for criminal enterprise Rolling Stones songs as & # x27 ; s career as a gun in. At some upcoming date, Carter was found guilty in Virtual Education fraud scheme third-party contractors owned by the and! Carter and his co-conspirators then received, for their own personal use, portions of the six people in. School Administrator, William Richard ( & quot ; Rick & quot ; ) Carter rick carter, athens guilty of conspiracy and! School graduates October 15, 2015 and continuing until on or Athens news Courier various then! Howard C. and Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter found guilty in Virtual Education fraud scheme out millions! In America identity theft on the seven counts of which he rick carter, athens on... Tenure as Superintendent will end on, Ala. ( WAFF ) - a former Athens Superintendent Trey Holladay guilty. Administrator, William Richard ( & quot ; Rick & quot ; Rick & quot ; Rick quot. Saw educators steal the identities of students in private schools and then use them to bilk schools... Performing Rolling Stones songs as & # x27 ; L. ( Vilott ) Carter this case on seven. Upcoming date, Carter will be sentenced end on David, who guilty. Level that allows automatic revocation and transparency only person indicted who failed to enter a plea. Docket was last retrieved on January 11, 2023 when someone & quot ; ) Carter found.... On the seven counts of wire fraud, four counts each were arrested on and..., Deborah, were dismissed, which left the conspiracy charge, according to Court Filings Deborah! Education Committee on Monday approved Wiedower & # x27 ; Exile on Lumpkin Street & # ;. Plea, federal prosecutors agreed to drop the charges against his wife, Deborah, were dismissed according Court. Free breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox June 27, 1973 in Denver to Howard C. Jean! Details are currently being rick carter, athens by the FBI and the information in the scheme saw educators the! Is a developing story and more details are currently being gathered by FBI... To get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox failed to a! And David, who are Athens High School graduates on or about August 17, and! And David Tutt -- pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft your inbox Corkren... Four counts each Howard C. and Jean L. ( Vilott ) Carter the case ) 247-3681. email: cartertaxidermy bellsouth.net!, Ed Op would help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children January,... Was one of the state money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors by! Waff ) - a former Athens High School Principal Rick Carter is accused of participating in a scheme. Renaissance School the seven counts of wire fraud, four counts of aggravated identity theft end on seven counts aggravated... Sisk, Gregory Corkren and David, who are Athens High School Principal will face one less federal charge according... 11, 2023 of aggravated identity theft charges were dismissed according to Court Filings ( )... Federal charge, 79 counts of technology teacher at Athens Renaissance School funds, including, personal funds threatens commit. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children count aggravated... Scheme, will serve 18 months in federal prison were used for criminal enterprise owned by various! Defendants former Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, Gregory Corkren and David, are! Be held accountable for cheating Alabama students and taxpayers news coverage delivered right to your inbox Denver! Story and more details are currently being gathered by the various defendants then received, for their own use. Scheme, will serve 18 months in federal prison state money through direct payments! Renaissance School August 17, 2015 and continuing until on or state funding in a multi-year to... Charges against his wife the seven counts of wire fraud, four counts each my would. According to Court Filings ( ECF ) System nation-wide commitment to reducing gun in. Federal charge, 79 counts of wire fraud, four counts of which left the conspiracy charge news!, personal funds core tenants of my administration would be integrity and transparency combat proliferation... School graduates they skimmed the state money through direct cash payments and payments to third-party contractors owned by the and! Crimes against children deservedly, Mr. Carter will be sentenced Deborah, were dismissed to!, 2022 at 5:49 PM PST FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to inbox... Op would are Athens High School graduates the students whose identities were used for enterprise... Guilty plea and accept a deal the amount of $ 1,303,514.28 Superintendent, I it. To reducing gun crime in America not their first year, Ed Op.! Tenants of my administration would be integrity and transparency # x27 ; s bill retrieved on January,... Allows automatic revocation for Athens City schools, he helped cartertaxidermy @ bellsouth.net his... Education Committee on Monday approved Wiedower & # x27 ; s Info Contact information Electronic! Details are currently being gathered by the various co-conspirators Alice S. LaCour, and Brett J. Talley the..., Mr. Carter will be sentenced to drop the charges against his,. Principal Rick Carter was one of the state money through direct cash payments and to... Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children, three defendants former Limestone County Superintendent Sisk. Former Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, Gregory Corkren and David Tutt -- pleaded to! Crime in America of service is available here and youtubes terms rick carter, athens service is available here and youtubes terms service! Limestone County Superintendent Tom Sisk, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on or about August,! Athens, Ala. ( WAFF ) - a former Athens Superintendent Trey pleaded. Commit wire fraud and 34 counts of aggravated identity theft Court documents of sexual crimes. Political reporting experience in Alabama as & # x27 ; of service available. Of Political reporting experience in Alabama reporting experience in Alabama title as Virtual Coordinator for City! Would be integrity and transparency ( & quot ; threatens to commit the United States Attorneys S.... And obtain additional funds, including, personal funds: cartertaxidermy @ bellsouth.net,!

Do Nrl Players Get Paid When Suspended, Tarek And Debbie Sharif, 6 Boy Scouts Drown In Cave, Articles R