California Officer Found Guilty of College Fraud

A former police officer from the San Francisco Bay Area has been found guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud related to a scheme aimed at securing pay raises through fraudulent means. Morteza Amiri, 33, a former officer with the Antioch Police Department, was convicted by a federal jury in Oakland on August 9. He is the last of six officers implicated in the case, which involved hiring someone to complete college courses on their behalf to obtain a degree in criminal justice. During a four-day trial presided over by U.S. Senior District Judge Jeffrey White, federal prosecutors detailed how Amiri and his co-defendants engaged in a conspiracy to exploit educational incentives offered by their respective police departments. The other five officers, who worked for either Antioch or the Pittsburg Police Department, pleaded guilty to similar charges. The scheme allowed them to falsely claim they had completed the necessary coursework to qualify for tuition reimbursements and pay raises. Prosecutors revealed that Amiri received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice through this fraudulent arrangement and subsequently sought financial benefits from the Antioch Police Department. Each felony count against him carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with possible fines, restitution, and supervised release after serving time. The case highlights ongoing issues of integrity within law enforcement agencies, as these officers took advantage of educational programs designed to enhance their qualifications and professional development.