MILWAUKEE — A lifelong con man accused of starting a fake university and churning out fake diplomas — while in prison in Wisconsin — appeared in court Tuesday to face a fraud charge, years after the complex scheme was uncovered.
Kenneth Shong, 45, was allegedly working with associates outside the prison walls to operate a suspected diploma mill that was recruiting students for at least two years before investigators caught on, authorities said. The Associated Press first reported the alleged scheme in February 2010.
Shong, described by a judge in 2005 as having a history of “outwitting, outplaying and outlasting authorities,” was set to be released from prison last Saturday on a forgery conviction. He was instead taken into custody and charged Thursday with fraudulent writings in Winnebago County. A hearing to determine whether he’ll stand trial is scheduled for Jan. 19.
There are going to be a lot of people with these diplomas crapping in their pants right now. If they used these diplomas to get a job or promotion, these jobs and promotions might be questioned.
Tim Russell. Just gaming the SEO thing. If you don’t talk about it, we have to. (And yes, I’m aware of your “Oy” post—very in depth.”
Jim, I have no idea what your comment has to do with this post ... but I’ll play along anyway.
I’ll see your Tim Russell and raise you a Tony Rezko.
His diplomas probably have about the same educational value as [insert fake storefront “college” name here].