Texas woman sentenced in $466K education fraud scheme after admitting to a decade-long conspiracy that defrauded federal education programs.
Shelbra Long, 58, of Edinburg, Texas, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for mail and wire fraud. Prosecutors said she fraudulently secured more than $466,000 in education benefits by using stolen identities to apply for admission and financial aid at online colleges nationwide, including one in Albany.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced the sentencing and emphasized the seriousness of Long’s actions. “Today’s sentencing punishes Shelbra Long for using stolen identities to shamelessly divert several hundred thousand dollars in federal aid into her own coffers,” Sarcone said. He added that his office and partner agencies are committed to stopping financial crimes and urged colleges to verify the authenticity of their students.
The scheme involved withdrawing supposed students after financial aid was awarded, causing refunds to be issued to bank accounts controlled by Long and her associates. Long used the money for personal expenses, including utilities, and withdrew cash from ATMs. Of the $466,430 in aid, $211,820 came directly from the Department of Education.
Andrew Balceniuk, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General – Eastern Regional Office, praised investigators for their work. “I’m proud of the work of OIG special agents and our law enforcement colleagues for shutting down yet another student aid fraud ring and holding Ms. Long accountable for her criminal actions,” Balceniuk said. He reaffirmed the OIG’s dedication to fighting student aid fraud.
In addition to her prison sentence, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci imposed a three-year term of supervised release. Long was also ordered to pay $211,820 in restitution and forfeit $52,304.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner.
