Dive Summary:
- On Monday, Nelson Ruiz, 35, pled guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of bribery after defrauding the New York City (NYC) Department of Education (DOE) of $2.7 million intended for special needs children.
- Over a three-year span, Ruiz was contracted for sign-language interpretation services to 11 schoolchildren — services which were neither needed nor provided.
- Ruiz forged the signatures of at least two students and seven DOE officials and bribed one DOE employee to expedite the payment process; he faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
From the article:
"... 'In stealing scarce and precious education resources intended for children with special needs, Nelson Ruiz did an extreme disservice to both the D.O.E. and the children who really do need extra help,' Mr. Bharara said. 'We have no tolerance for those who defraud the government and who bribe public officials in furtherance of their schemes.'
Mr. Ruiz’s lawyer, Domenico Savatta, said his client was sorry for what he did and was ready to serve his sentence. ..."
