BOSTON – The man wealthy families paid to take and ace standardized tests in place of high school students in a wide-ranging scheme pleaded guilty Friday in federal court.
Mark Riddell, 36, entered his plea to charges of mail fraud and money laundering conspiracy in a Boston courtroom. He will be sentenced in July. Federal prosecutors recommend a sentence of 33 to 41 months.
Last month Riddell agreed to a plea deal in return for his cooperation and a reduced sentenced. He was considered a key member of the scheme that helped wealthy parents buy their children spots in top universities.
Prosecutors say over the course of eight years Riddell was paid thousands of dollars per test.
Rick Singer, who ran the operation, bribed test administrators to let Riddell take SAT and ACT exams or correct answers on tests after they were turned in.
Singer already pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and other charges.
The investigation led to the indictment of dozens of parents, coaches, and administrators as well as business CEOs and actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman.
