Federal affidavit to search Saint Regis sites now public

galanga · Aug 16, 2005

The affidavit used to obtain search warrants for the federal/state/local agency searches carried out last Thursday in Washington is now a publicly available document, though I do not know if it available online. (It probably is, I just don't know the URL yet.)

The affidavit is nearly identical to those used to obtain warrants in Idaho and Arizona. (There seem to be a few pages concerning Richard Novak's finances that were omitted from the Washington version but not the other two.)

It is chock full of astounding information.

Here are some selections from it. Note that "U/C" = "undercover" and SA = "special agent"

Secret Service’s Fourth Undercover Purchase of a “Degree” via the Internet

53. On 4/19/05, SA Ross, acting in a U/C capacity, logged into the “James Monroe University” website at www.jamesmonroeuniversity.ac. At the web site, SA Ross submitted an “application” and “evaluation” under the U/C alias of “Mohammed Syed”. SA Ross completed an online form at the web site in which he included supposed “biographical information” for “applicant” “Mohammed Syed”. SA Ross stated that Mohammed Syed has no formal education, but has obtained multiple hours of training in chemistry and in engineering with the Syrian Army. SA Ross indicated in the application that Mohammed Syed’s work experience primarily consists of a fifteen year career in the Syrian Army as a chemist and chemical engineer. SA Ross further indicated that Mohammed Syed is still a Syrian citizen, but that Syed is currently visiting the United States and would like to quickly obtain “college degrees” so that he could find employment and obtain an H1-B Visa to remain in the United States. SA Ross submitted “Mohammed Syed’s” fictional “application” for review by “James Monroe evaluators”. SA Ross also subsequently created two fictional “letters of reference” purporting to be written in support of “Mohammed Syed”. SA Ross forwarded the letters via facsimile to the fax number provided on the “James Monroe University” website, (202) 318-0568. SA Ross included an U/C e-mail address of [email protected] as his contact information for “Mohammed Syed”.
54. On 5/13/05, SA Ross received an e-mail to his U/C e-mail account for “Mohammed Syed” at [email protected], from “James” at [email protected]. “James” stated that he was an “advisor” for “James Monroe University”, and he asked for additional information from “Mohammed Syed”. SA Ross was asked to provide further specifics about which particular degree he was seeking. SA Ross replied to the e-mail from “James”, stating that “Mohammed Syed” would like both a BS, and a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering.

55. On 5/14/05, SA Ross received an e-mail to his “Mohammed Syed” U/C e-mail account at [email protected], from “advisor James” at [email protected]. The e-mail informed “Syed” that he would be unable to obtain a chemical engineering degree because “James Monroe” does not have “faculty” in that specific area. “Advisor James” informed “Mohammed” that instead, he would be able to obtain “degrees” in chemistry, environmental engineering, or both.
56. On 5/17/05, SA Ross received an e-mail to his U/C e-mail account for Mohammed Syed at [email protected], from “James” at [email protected]. The e-mail stated that “Syed” qualified for multiple possible “degrees.” The entire text of the e-mail instructing “Mohammed Syed” about how to proceed and how to pay, is included below:
Dear Mohammed,
Thank you for submitting your application to James Monroe University for our consideration. After reviewing* your PLA Report and other submitted information, our Office of Admissions is pleased to announce that you have been approved for the degree:
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
Master of Science in Chemistry
James Monroe University takes pride in its graduates. Your evaluation placed you in the top percentage of applicants, and you can be very proud of the education you have attained through nontraditional means.
Multi-Nationally Accredited and recognized the world over, James Monroe University looks forward to adding your name to its list of high-achieving alumni. We know your degree will enable you to take a giant leap forward in your career while giving you a personal sense of achievement and satisfaction. We look forward to hearing how your James Monroe University degree changes your life.

All that remains is for you to pay the graduation fee. You may pay online at: http:// www.university-services.net/jamesmonroe/fp_ja.html
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, bank wire transfers, and checks. Once your is graduation fee is paid, your degree and supporting documents will be shipped to you by courier.
If you'd prefer to pay by phone please e-mail us your phone number and best time to call and a payment agent will contact you.
Although we do not anticipate an increase in fees, please note that the fees quoted at the website today are guaranteed for 30 days only. If you respond after this time period you will be responsible for any additional fees that may be in effect.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to the James Monroe University Alumni!
Sincerely,
James Hunter, Admissions
James Monroe University
http://mymail.marketrends.net/src/compose.php?send_to=james%40university-services.net

SA Ross then linked to the above-listed payment site, and filled out the payment request form under the name “Mohammed Syed”. The payment form provided the opportunity for “Syed” to purchase as many “degrees” as he wanted. SA Ross purchased a BS in Chemistry, a Masters in Chemistry, and a Masters in Environmental Engineering. The total cost for the three “degrees” was listed as $1277.00. The payment form also provided the opportunity for “Mohammed Syed” to “backdate” any of his “degrees” and choose whatever date of completion he would like. SA Ross indicated that the BS in Chemistry should be dated 2002, the MS in Chemistry in 2004 and the Masters of Engineering dated 2005. SA Ross submitted his payment form, the Mohammed Syed U/C credit card was charged, and the transaction completed.
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95. On 7/7/05, SA Ross, SA Kemppainen and Your Affiant conducted a surveillance and undercover operation in which we met in a U/C capacity with suspect Richard Novak using video and audio recording equipment. SA’s Ross, Kemppainen and Your Affiant met with suspect Richard Novak beginning upon his arrival at approximately 1:00 p.m. in the Mayflower Hotel Suite 230.

96. Shortly after meeting Richard Novak upon his arrival to the U/C meeting, SA’s Ross, Kemppainen and Your Affiant engaged Mr. Novak in a “business meeting” in which we continued SA Ross’ previously established undercover story that we are a business group who is attempting to establish a new “online university”. Because Novak had previously offered to “consult” and “help” SA Ross in this regard, we indicated to Mr. Novak that we would first like to ask him numerous questions about the “business” of online schools, and specifically about his role working for “the Board” who, Novak had already told SA Ross, is the owner of “St. Regis University”, “James Monroe University”, and “Robertstown University.” During the initial hour of the U/C meeting, Novak re-confirmed his previous statements to SA Ross that he is the individual who does “all of the international work” in reference to establishing “accreditation” and “recognition” from foreign governments for Novak’s clients, “the Board” and their “online universities”. Mr. Novak indicated that “the Board” who owns the aforementioned “St. Regis, JMU, and Robertstown”, were originally responsible for paying to send him to Liberia to establish a presence there and to arrange “accreditation”. Further, Novak indicated early in our meeting that his “Liberian contact” is in fact the Deputy Chief of Mission to the U.S. for Liberia, and works out of the Liberian Embassy. When describing the key to successfully doing business with Liberia, Novak referenced the fact that one needs to make sure that money finds its way “into pockets” in order to succeed. Mr. Novak indicated to our U/C group that he believed that he could coordinate with the appropriate Liberian government officials, in terms of both payments and “paperwork”, to help our group...
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(Continued next post)

galanga · Aug 16, 2005

...continued fom last post...

97. Continuing in our U/C meeting, SA Ross provided paperwork to Richard Novak. SA Ross indicated that our group wanted him to sign a “Non-Disclosure contract” before further discussing our business plans. Richard Novak agreed, and signed the document as provided by SA Ross at approximately 2:30 p.m. The real purpose for the “Non Disclosure document” was two-fold: to obtain two signature samples from Mr. Novak; and, to further add to the perceived “legitimacy” of our U/C “business group”. It should be noted that the signatures provided by Richard Novak on our U/C “Non-Disclosure” document appear similar to the “Richard Novak” signatures on three notarized documents previously obtained in this investigation: the Diploma Authentication Attestation, Transcript Authentication Attestation, and Degree Authentication Attestation, each sent in the document packet from “James Monroe” to S/A Ross’ U/C “student” alias of Anthony Gwynn. At that time, Mr. Novak further discussed with our U/C group the details of his historical relationship with “the Board” or “the SRU (St. Regis University) group”. Novak informed us that St. Regis “was huge”, but eventually became too high profile and became the focus of such individuals as John Bear, George Gollin, and Alan Contreras, who worked to attack “the SRU group”. Novak stated that eventually, because of the efforts of Bear, Gollin et al, the media attention combined with the pressure on the U.S. government to take action against “St. Regis” was too high. Novak said that St. Regis then lost their “accreditation” because of financial pressure placed upon the Liberian government from the U.S. government. Thereafter, “the Board” was forced to transition their primary “online university” resources from “St. Regis” to “James Monroe University”. Novak stated that he at one point received a letter on behalf of “the Board”, from Isaac Roland, the Deputy Minister of Education for Liberia. This letter from Roland reportedly stated that official Liberian recognition of “James Monroe University” and “Robertstown University” will continue

98. As the U/C meeting with Richard Novak progressed, Novak continued to provide details of “St. Regis University’s”(SRU) historical relationship with Liberia. Novak stated that “SRU” operated a small office in Monrovia, set up by Novak himself, for the purpose of appearing to have a real presence there. However, Novak stated that the office was basically there simply for appearances, and that “the Board” ran all of the “school’s” operations from the U.S., specifically from Washington State and Idaho. Novak stated that a “key” to operating as an “online school” is the governmental accreditation. He indicated that the only thing separating an “online university” from a “degree mill” is the formal accreditation. However, Novak was clear throughout the meeting that a “school” does not need to meet any formal requirements to obtain that “accreditation” other than meeting and providing payment to the right people within a government, and then setting up a small office in that country to look as though business is being done there. Novak also advised at one point that the primary legal concern in engaging in this form of “online school”, would be a possible prosecution for fraud. However, he assured our U/C group that no law enforcement authorities have ever attempted to investigate “the Board” or their involvement with SRU/JMU/etc. When questioned about the income tax implications of running one of these “schools”, Novak stated that it is important to devise a method of “beating” the IRS. He advised that foreign bank accounts are a good method for processing and holding payment funds as collected from “students” via credit card and “PayPal” accounts. Novak said that “the Board” specifically used an account in Dominica, but he said that they lost that money because the Dominican bank was closed down due to money laundering. Novak indicated that he does not believe that “the Board” has ever declared any of their online income for tax purposes. Novak stated that he has not handled any of the foreign banking issues for “the Board”, but that he does all of the other “international work”. As an example, Novak indicated that he was the first to establish a “faculty” for “the Board” and “SRU”. Novak stated that he approached ten legitimate faculty from a campus-based college in Liberia, AMEU, and offered them each $75.00/month to answer e-mail questions about their fields, and provide approval to use their resumes and names on the web site as “faculty”. Novak made it clear that a key to operating an “online school” is to represent the existence of multiple “faculty”, even though the “faculty” do not really engage in any instruction or course work with any “students”. He stated that a good web site needs to have “accreditation” and “faculty” for credibility purposes only, and need not be genuine. He also spoke to our U/C group extensively about “documents” and the need for credible-looking documents such as degrees, transcripts and supporting documentation. Novak confirmed that “the Board” uses their printing office in Idaho to create the “official” degrees and other core documents with seals, embossments, etc. However, Novak stated that he was the one responsible for generating and coordinating the supporting documents such as “authentications”. Novak stated that he has all of the connections at the foreign embassies in Washington D.C., so he has been able to obtain official-looking documents with “apostilles” in support of the “SRU/JMU degrees.” However, Novak made clear that these supporting documents “say nothing” and are essentially meaningless. Yet, he said that “the Board” would offer them for sale at around $1800 in support of their bogus degrees, and that these worthless documents being sold for $1800 were an extremely profitable offering to “students”. Novak informed us that at one time he was making approximately $10,000/month in profit from his “documents”, separate from the profit being made by “the board”. He also stated that the majority of his documents were for foreign countries, a majority of which were for “students” from Saudi Arabia. When asked about his requirements for payment if he were to work for our U/C group, Novak stated that we could pay him in whatever manner we prefer. He highlighted the fact that if our group were to pay him and not declare anything for tax purposes, then he would also not declare the income, and that is what he prefers. He stated that when you make that much money, you don’t want to give it to the U.S. government.

99. Continuing in our U/C meeting with Richard Novak, at approximately 5:10 p.m., Abdullah Dunbar arrived at our suite at the Mayflower Hotel to join the meeting with Richard Novak. Reports from the surveillance team later confirmed that Dunbar had come directly to our meeting from the Liberian Embassy. After a brief introductory discussion, Dunbar confirmed that he could help our U/C group obtain “accreditation” with his Liberian government, specifically the Ministry of Education. Dunbar agreed that he would travel to Liberia with Richard Novak in order to acquire our “accreditation” and the documents for proof of such. Dunbar stated that the only firm requirement that we really need, in order to get an accreditation, is to establish a physical office with a staff in Liberia and pay a several hundred dollar permit fee. Dunbar confirmed Novak’s statements that the two of them could travel to Liberia, meet with the top officials from the Ministry of Education and Justice, make “payments” to the appropriate parties, and return to the U.S. with “official” documents representing our U/C “school” as being officially accredited and recognized in Liberia. Dunbar and Novak each informed us that the key to their trip will be to secure a meeting with the Minister of Education, Evelyn Kandakai (spelling unconfirmed). They also said that a meeting will be needed with the Minister of Justice. Dunbar stated that he will make some telephone calls and figure out the total cash requirement for “payments” to be made on their trip. Additionally, Dunbar agreed that he would accept a payment of $5,000, plus all expenses paid, to travel with Dunbar to Liberia and coordinate the successful “accreditation” process for our U/C “school”, (Randolph Addison Davis Technical University). When Your Affiant asked Dunbar if there were any laws being violated by directly paying him for these services, Dunbar responded “nah, I’m a diplomat.”

100. At approximately 6:00 p.m., our U/C meeting concluded. Both Novak and Dunbar left our suite #230, and the operation, including all ongoing audio and video recordings, was terminated.
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galanga · Aug 16, 2005

...one more

66. A summary of some of the e-mails received from the May 6, 2005, Marketrends search warrant included the following:
Message ID# [email protected]
Date: Sat, 2 Oct 2004 11:31:11 – 0700 (PDT)
Subject: Liberia and India and Panama
From: “University Services” <[email protected]>
To: [email protected],[email protected]

Message from “Dixie” to “Rick” describing that Canyon College and Breyer State are willing to send him to other “countries”. She states that “Prince Porte is involved”. She tells “Rick” that she would like to set up a new “school” without a “history”. She requests that “Rick” and “Steve” discuss a name for the new “university”. Message was signed “Dixie”.

Message ID# [email protected]
Subject: Re: “Credti card and blank check signed”
From: “University Services” <[email protected]>
To: “ans credit card needs to be in VEDMURTHY SARVOTHAM” [email protected]

Message from “Dixie” to “Ved” stating that she needs credit and debit cards that are not in “our” names. The cards are needed to make “purchases, transfers, payments, etc.” “Dixie” states that she must be able to use cards and checks in “Ved’s” name. She is requesting that only “Ved’s” name appears, but that “Ved” pre-signs the checks for her use. She states that she has never paid more than 10%, but is willing to pay “Ved” 20% in order to use “Ved’s” identity. “Dixie” states that the reason is for “privacy” for the purposes of registering domains or purchasing items for the “schools”.

Message ID# [email protected]
Original Message:
From: University Admin
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday March 11, 2005 10:38 PM
Subject: “no more porch monkey”

Message believed to be from Dixie, to “Rick” using obscene language to describe her anger at Dr. George Gollin due to the “saintregis.edu.lr” domain being shut down. She expressed that she felt that she deserves protection from Dr. Gollin and that if the domain is not restored, “they” will not receive any further compensation.

Message ID# [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Final-Recipient: RFC822; [email protected]

The message, signed by “Steve and Dixie Randock, (509) 466-8829”, to “Brad” references the issuance of “44 blank degrees to Shafiq’s fake St. Regis University”.
03/10/05 From: “University Admin” [email protected]; to John McLaughlin regarding her “reference to the already “chartered” medical college that is a front for other schools¼”. In an earlier e-mail exchange between the two on 03/05/05, “Dixie” , signor of the message, states, “I don’t think you need to mention the medical school as any kind of “front” or it may sound as though we are trying to exploit this country as well”.

03/12/05 From: “University Admin” [email protected]; to “Rick” sending a message to “Porte” regarding the revocation of their “.lr” extension website by Randy Bush, top level domain registrar of Liberian domain extensions. The message is signed by Steve Randock.

03/12/05 From: “Icorreia” (Luis Correia, Atrium Incorporators); to “Steve” at “University Admin” [email protected] regarding confirmation of an organization in France authorized to bestow degrees. In the message, it is explained that Mr. Correia will assist in the search for officers, instructions for incorporation of their US LLC company in Delaware (Collines de Fontaine, LLC), the opening of an offshore bank account, and dedicated phone numbers.

03/24/05 From: “University Admin” [email protected]; to Jallah Faciann and Prince Porte, asking them to use their influence to restore their presence in Liberia.
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galanga · Aug 16, 2005

...and another one

AEIT and A+ Institute Monies Wire Transferred to Abdullah Dunbar’s Account

109. Financial records received from the Bank of Fairfield indicate that between 10/8/02 and 9/3/04, a total of $23,900 was wired from either the account of “AEIT” or “A+ Institute” into the personal account of Adbulah K. Dunbar (The Deputy Chief of Mission for the Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C.). Records indicate twenty-one of the aforementioned wire transfers list the Origin of Deposit Address as “14525 N. Newport Hwy”.
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The inventory

DaveHayden · Aug 16, 2005

Wow!

Incredibly rich! “Mohammed Syed” and chemistry/engineering with the Syrian Army?! Amazing! Scrxw the IRS?! These guys are headed for serious jail time. Also Canyon College and Breyer State aren't looking good. Anyone notice the silence at "Jamesvile"? Amazing! Nice to see justice served.

P.S. I hope Steve Levicoff is reading this!

davidhume · Aug 16, 2005

Wow, this is just incredible stuff. You can just imagine other degree mill operators reading this in a very cold sweat! Different names and places, but similar story...

Bill Huffman · Aug 16, 2005

I'm not a lawyer but, I'll be surprised if these guys fight it in court. To me, it looks like they've been nailed COLD!

mineralhh · Aug 16, 2005

awesome! Let's hope the entire document goes publically online soon!!

BillDayson · Aug 16, 2005

Holy crap!!!

Galanga! That stuff is truly amazing!

I can't say that I'm surprised though. I think that Degreeinfo had St. Regis' number quite early on and so it turns out, very accurately. I'm kind of proud of us.

Way to go, Degreeinfo! (And especially you, Galanga.)

It looks to me like SRU's principals (the "Board") are probably going to be facing multiple felony indictments and maybe some hefty time in federal prison.

And I wonder how long Mr. Abdullah K. ("nah, I'm a diplomat") Dunbar survives as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Liberian Embassy before he's hustled onto a plane back to Monrovia.

Thanks for that, Galanga. It made my day.

DesElms · Aug 16, 2005

I'm confused about one thing: Who's Brad?

samlam · Aug 16, 2005

Just some random thought after reading this post: When I saw the words 'paypal' and 'degree' together the whole diploma became eBay like.

Lerner · Aug 16, 2005

Wow, now we knew for long time that SRU and its sister schools
never checked anything and will award Ph.Ds and professorships based on fake resume, but the syrian Muhamad Sayed this is
to match.

Real exposure.

Now I notticed this name on list of graduates of another scam "university"

Degree Holders in 2003/2004

Amr Mohamed Sadik (Syria)

Knok knok
This is not ower.

Learner

bullet · Aug 16, 2005

MORE MORE MORE

Please GALANGA MORE, THIS IS GOOD STUFF! WOW! THANK YOU!

MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE, PLEASE!!!!!!!

Rich Douglas · Aug 16, 2005

On a thread on another board, Dr. Dr. Neil Hayes said about this issue:

The whole thing sounds like an incredible dose of overkill and very reminiscent of what goes on in NZ and in many other 'democratic', civilised western countries - whilst the real crims in society continue to get away with murder, serious fraud, drug pedalling, crimes against nature, etc, etc, etc. But looking on the positive side it will keep mamy people employed in report writing!

Draw your own conclusions. You can imagine what I have to say about it.

Jake_A · Aug 16, 2005

Wow, Galanga, this is wonderful news! This is like watching armed bank bandits being nailed, live, on TV! Finally, the crooks get caught in the act!

posted by BillDayson
Way to go, Degreeinfo! (And especially you, Galanga.)
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What he said!
Degreeinfo - never let up! Galanga - keep on keeping on!

posted by Rich Douglas
On a thread on another board, Dr. Dr. Neil Hayes said about this issue:

The whole thing sounds like an incredible dose of overkill and very reminiscent of what goes on in NZ and in many other 'democratic', civilised western countries - whilst the real crims in society continue to get away with murder, serious fraud, drug pedalling, crimes against nature, etc, etc, etc. But looking on the positive side it will keep mamy people employed in report writing!
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Overkill? What an utterly ridiculous, inane, and idiotic caught-with-hands-in-the-cookie-jar comment! Overkill, indeed.

I sincerely believe that U/C and SA stings and arrests of these DL mill shills and crooks for providing the fake "Mohammed Syed" with fraudulent but "SRU/JMU-attested" degrees in Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, are just as important as arresting criminals who perpetrate, in Dr. Dr. Neil's own words "murder, serious fraud, drug pedalling, crimes against nature."

Thank Heavens this "Mohammed Syed" is a fictitious character! He could have, conceivably, one day, infiltrated our nation's chemical plants or other fragile security or utility infrastructure as a "terrorist" disguised as a properly credentialed engineer or scientist! Surely, Dr. Dr. Neil's must be intelligent enough to see that possibility!

As for the embassy-employed "Adbulah K. Dunbar" (whoever he is), he is toast - or soon to be, hopefully. The website of the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, DC, today, contains the following statement by Liberia's NTGL Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant:

"This government will ensure that public servants and private individuals alike never misuse public resources for selfish purposes."

"The transitional government will deal drastically with anyone that will be properly determined to have been involved in acts of corruption."

US State Department officials must immediately see to it that Chairman Bryant and the Liberian Embassy here in Washington, DC., deal appropriately with this fake-diploma-dispensing diplomat and crook in our midst.

News alert! To all diploma mills, fraudulent and/or illegitimate unaccredited entities - you might be NEXT!

Everyone concerned with integrity and quality in higher education: Please keep on feeding the proper authorities with addresses and contact information of these societal misfits - and watch the action, live, brought to you by our own indefatigable Galanga!.

Thanks.

Guest · Aug 16, 2005

Great job Galanga!!!

Jack Tracey · Aug 16, 2005

Clearly this was a great piece of work and I'd again like to congratulate all involved. It seems that there's mounds of evidence and I'll be surprised if there's a trial. These folks will be plea bargaining all the way and even then they'll get a stiff sentence (although it will take some time). I'm assuming that the degree mill crowd is a fairly exclusive club and that they all know/interact with eachother at times. If the St. Regis crowd want to shorten their jail terms they'll have to give up something and the main things they've got (if my guess is correct) are the particulars of other degre mill operators. Stay tuned to this channel for all the updates.
As for Hayes, who cares what he says? His turn will come and he'll swing with the rest.
Jack

Bill Huffman · Aug 17, 2005

Originally posted by Rich Douglas
On a thread on another board, Dr. Dr. Neil Hayes said about this issue:

The whole thing sounds like an incredible dose of overkill and very reminiscent of what goes on in NZ and in many other 'democratic', civilised western countries - whilst the real crims in society continue to get away with murder, serious fraud, drug pedalling, crimes against nature, etc, etc, etc. But looking on the positive side it will keep mamy people employed in report writing!

Draw your own conclusions. You can imagine what I have to say about it.
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The problem with dr. dr. Hayes's argument is that enforcement of white collar crimes tends to dissuade others far more than enforcement of non-white collar crimes. Another problem with his argument is that FRAUD IS AGAINST THE LAW! Of course, dr. dr. Hayes is partial to academic fraud so it must cause some cognitive dissonance to see people being threatened with jail for it.

Lerner · Aug 17, 2005

Originally posted by Bill Huffman

The problem with dr. dr. Hayes's argument is that enforcement of white collar crimes tends to dissuade others far more than enforcement of non-white collar crimes. Another problem with his argument is that FRAUD IS AGAINST THE LAW! Of course, dr. dr. Hayes is partial to academic fraud so it must cause some cognitive dissonance to see people being threatened with jail for it.
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These places without any doubt were fraudulent.

Some places are barely legal and its harder to accuse them of fraud, i.e. they do require some work and provide classes etc.
They don’t sell blank diplomas etc.

So what may seem as impartial to academic fraud to one person to another it may see as bad quality substandard but legal - not fraudulent operation. Not that one should waist his time and be involved for life time in apologetics and possible embarrassment.

But we all know that the SRU, RU etc were plain scam operations that sold bogus credentials and claimed accreditation, sold accreditation and bribed Liberian officials etc.

The wills of the justace turning slow but it seems that they do turn and it's just a meter of time for the other frausters to go down.
Learner

galanga · Aug 17, 2005

more selections from the affidavit

starting at p. 11:.

c. Record inquiries with the State of Washington, Master License Service, reveal that as of 07/27/05, the Association known as "Children's Future Trust" is registered with the State of Washington. The officers for Children's Future Trust are Steven and Dixie Randock, who registered with a home address of 3127 E. River Glen Drive, Colbert, WA, 99005.

d. On 7/27/05, Postal Inspector Dennis Larsen confirmed that both Steve and Dixie Randock are currently receiving mail at 3127 E. River Glen, Colbert, WA.

e. Financial records received from Card Services International (a credit card processing company) indicate that on 10/23/01, Steve Randock, DOB 8/28/39, and Dixie Randock, DOB 3/16/50, opened an account under the name of "AEIT" using the address of 3127 E. River Glen, Colbert, WA. The application indicates two business addresses as 14525 Newport Hwy, Mead, WA, and 601 E. Seltice Way, B8, Post Falls, ID. The "type of business" listed on the application is "Video Tape Rental Sales" rather than diploma sales.
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starting at p. 58:

Mailbox Forwarding Services

69. On 3/11/05, Your Affiant interviewed Michael Phillips, owner, The UPS Store (formerly Mail Boxes Etc.), 611 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003, 202/543 0850, regarding mail box #211 at that same address (It should be noted that box #211 has been linked to not only the "Official Transcript Archive Center", but also the "Children's Future Trust"). Phillips stated that box #211 has been used strictly as a mail forwarding box since it was opened by Steve Randock, and that the majority of the mail pertained to "official transcripts." Phillips stated he closed the mailbox on 10/17/04 when he suspected something illegal was taking place with the mailbox after not being able to contact Steve Randock.

70. Also on 3/11/05, Your Affiant personally reviewed the records for mailbox #211, UPS Store, 611 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. Records indicate that the mailbox was opened on 1/18/01 under the name of Steve Randock, 3127 E. River Glen, Colbert, WA 99605, 509/468 2728. The identification used to open the mailbox was a Washington State driver's license (#xxxxxxxx) in the name of Steven Karl Randock, and a United States Passport (#xxxxxxxx) in the name of Steven Karl Randock, date of birth xx/xx/xx. The mailbox application indicates that "Official Transcript Verification Center" and "Steve Randock" are the authorized recipients of mail for box #211. Also listed on the mailbox application was the business address for the "Official Transcript Verification Center" as being 14525 Newport Highway, Mead, WA, 509/468 2728. Another record located in the file for mailbox #211 included a copy of Airborne Express airbill #18087398652 addressed to "Jeff" at 611 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C., from "A. Hensley, A+ Institute, 14525 N. Newport Hwy, Mead, WA, 509/465 4343."

71. On 3/10/05, Your Affiant personally interviewed Valdez Ray, Owner, PakMail, 1812 Marsh Road, Suite #6, Wilmington, DE, regarding box #242 at that business. (Box #242 at the aforementioned address is listed on the "James Monroe University" school transcript received by SA Ross for the U/C alias Jeffery Rowley. This "school transcript" also indicates that box #242 is the "Digital Archive Administration" office for "Transcript Verification.”). Valdez Ray explained that PakMail is a shipping business that also maintains individual mailboxes. Ray stated that box #242 is one of the individual mailboxes at his business location that was set up purely as a mail forwarding mailbox. Ray stated mailbox #242 was opened on 10/2/03, under the name of Steve Randock, 3127 E. River Glen, Colbert, Washington, and that according to the mailbox application, the persons/businesses entitled to receive mail at that box are "Official Transcript Verification Ctr" and "Saint Regis Educational Services." Ray stated he checked mailbox #242 for any mail he had yet to forward to Steve Randock, and in mailbox #242 were two pieces of mail; one addressed to "Official Transcript Archive Center" and one addressed to "AEIT."

72. Between 3/10/05 and 7/15/05, numerous other letters addressed to “AEIT, 1812 Marsh Rd., 6-292, Wilmington, DE” have been received at PakMail, and according to employee Janice Steffin, have been subsequently forwarded to 14525 Newport Hwy, Mead, WA.

73. Records received from Federal Express revealed that between 12/31/02 and 3/25/05, there were forty-one (41) shipments received at 14525 Newport Highway, Mead, WA from either 611 Pennsylvania Avenue #211, Washington, D.C. (address of “Official Transcript Verification Center”), or 1812 Marsh Road, Suite 6-242, Wilmington, DE (address of the “Official Transcript Archive Center”). Records indicate that numerous different individuals signed for the receipt of the shipments to include: “S. Randock,” “L. Randock,” “A. Hensley,” and “R. Markishtum.”
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starting at p. 66:

80. On 5/13/05, SA Ross placed another recorded telephone call to Rick Novak at (602) 524-8785 (Novak’s cell phone). SA Ross, as U/C alias “Greg Roberts”, engaged Novak in communication about potential “business deals”. Novak confirmed that he represents a “group” of online “university” owners who own and receive the profits from three primary online schools: “James Monroe University”, “St. Regis University”, and “Robertstown University.” Novak stated that the ownership group of these schools has made “millions” of dollars over recent years with these online schools. Novak stated that despite some recent negative press, “James Monroe” and the other “schools” are still fully recognized and accredited by the Liberian government. Novak indicated that he recently received a verification letter from Dr. Isaac Roland of the Liberian Education Ministry confirming the recognition of the “schools” by Liberia. SA Ross, as “Greg Roberts”, asked Novak about the possibility of purchasing the ability to become accredited and recognized by all of the same entities represented on the “James Monroe University” web site, including AACRAO, NAFSA, and the Liberian Education Ministry. Novak confirmed that his group would be able to accommodate, and would likely want to meet with, us to discuss further options. Novak asked “Greg Roberts” to send him an e-mail at [email protected], including the options that “Greg Roberts’” business group would like to pursue.

81. On 5/14/05, SA Ross sent an e-mail to Rick Novak at [email protected] from the U/C e-mail account for “Greg Roberts”, [email protected]. SA Ross indicated that he would like to meet with the ownership group of “James Monroe University” to discuss the possible purchase of one of their “schools”, or to perhaps simply purchase the rights to use some of the same “accreditations” that are represented on the James Monroe University web site.

82 On 5/17/05, SA Ross received an e-mail from Rick Novak at [email protected]. Novak e-mailed “Greg Roberts” to state that he had discussed the proposals with the “ownership group” of “James Monroe University” and the other “schools”. Novak stated that the “group” wishes to remain anonymous in any proposed transactions. Novak stated in the e-mail that he has been granted full power of attorney to represent them in any business pertaining to the “schools”. Novak further indicated in the e-mail that the group would be interested in selling “Greg Roberts” the rights to “Robertstown University.”

83. On 5/17/05, SA Ross replied to Rick Novak’s e-mail at [email protected]. SA Ross stated that he believed the anonymity in a possible business deal might be an issue, but that he would “discuss the deal” with his team and would telephone Rick Novak later in the week.

84. On 5/19/05, SA Ross received another e-mail from Rick Novak at [email protected] to SA Ross’ U/C “Greg Roberts account at [email protected]. Novak’s e-mail indicated that he was still conversing with “the board” regarding our possible deal; he stated that he was also working on getting his letter from Liberia “apostilled” and notarized. Novak suggested that “Greg Roberts” contact him further in a few days.

85. On 6/16/05, SA Ross received an e-mail to his U/C e-mail account at [email protected], from Richard Novak via [email protected]. In his e-mail message, Novak informed “Greg Roberts” (SA Ross) that he was forwarding an “exact e-mail I received from the Board.” Novak’s e-mail further stated that he recommended that “the Board” was offering their “online university” for sale and that SA Ross would be “getting a very good deal”. The e-mail message forwarded to SA Ross by Novak, purportedly from “the Board”, indicated that SA Ross was being offered the option to purchase “Robertstown University” for $100,000. Within this offer, “the Board” stated in their e-mail that SA Ross would also receive “Dr. Roland’s apostilled recognition letter”, as well as “templates to create RU documents”. The e-mail message from “the Board” also made reference to “problems from the past with Gollin and his crew,” urging Richard Novak to help SA Ross avoid such problems.
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In the Chronicle of Higher Education article Federal Officials Raid Homes in 3 States in Crackdown on Diploma Mill, "Mr. Novak indicated that he was upset at receiving telephone calls from reporters. 'It's not me the Secret Service is after,' he said before hanging up."

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