School Counselor Charged In Federal Aid Scam
MIAMI (CBS4) - An admissions counselor at a Lauderdale Lakes trade school has been indicted on a count federal financial aid fraud for reportedly creating phony diplomas to file for government assistance.
From September 2007 through April 2010, Ricardo Pradel, 31, reportedly created false high school diplomas for some students who enrolled at the American Institute. The diplomas were used to not only gain admission to the school but apply for financial aid.
As a direct result ineligible students at the American Institute received approximately $156,000 in federal financial aid to which they were not entitled.
If convicted Pradel faces a maximum up to five years in prison.
