Former Detroit Teacher Sentenced In Fake Billing Scheme
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A former Detroit teacher has received three years in prison for a fake billing scheme that cost the district $530,000.
Domonique Campbell, 39, was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Detroit. A jury found Campbell guilty of program fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and tax charges following a five-week trial last August.
Campbell's 60-year-old mother, Sandra -- a former DPS contract accountant and School Board candidate -- was sentenced last December to 5 years, 10 months in federal prison for her role in the scheme.
According to U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, the mother and daughter team set up a sham company and ran orders through it for books and supplies that the Detroit schools never received. Evidence presented at trial established that between 2004 and 2008, the duo fraudulently obtained more than $530,000 from Detroit Public Schools.
McQuade said the Campbells conspired to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and failed to report the money they fraudulently obtained from DPS as income on their tax returns.
"Anyone who considers defrauding our schools should take note that we are scrutinizing records and conduct, and will prosecute those who steal funds intended to educate our children," McQuade said in a statement.
The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI, IRS and Department of Education with the assistance of Detroit Public Schools.
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