The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District
of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Thomas Price, Jr., age 45,
of Newport, PA, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury in
Harrisburg on charges of student loan fraud.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Price
conspired with his former wife, a former employee of Harrisburg
Area Community College, to apply for approximately $92,000 in
private student loans and approximately $13,000 in federal
student PELL grants and Stafford loans between 2005 and 2007.
Over the course of three years, Price received the requested
loans and grants which were to be used to pay for the cost of
attendance at HACC by Price. Instead, Price allegedly used the
funds to purchase illegal drugs, jewelry, tattoos, and vehicles.
In addition to conspiracy, Price is also charged with two
counts of mail fraud related to the $5,000 checks representing
Stafford loan payments he received.
If convicted, Price faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20
years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Higher
Education Assistance Agency, Investigative Services, and the
United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector
General. HACC also cooperated with the investigators. The case is
being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J.
Terz.
of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Thomas Price, Jr., age 45,
of Newport, PA, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury in
Harrisburg on charges of student loan fraud.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Price
conspired with his former wife, a former employee of Harrisburg
Area Community College, to apply for approximately $92,000 in
private student loans and approximately $13,000 in federal
student PELL grants and Stafford loans between 2005 and 2007.
Over the course of three years, Price received the requested
loans and grants which were to be used to pay for the cost of
attendance at HACC by Price. Instead, Price allegedly used the
funds to purchase illegal drugs, jewelry, tattoos, and vehicles.
In addition to conspiracy, Price is also charged with two
counts of mail fraud related to the $5,000 checks representing
Stafford loan payments he received.
If convicted, Price faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20
years and a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Higher
Education Assistance Agency, Investigative Services, and the
United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector
General. HACC also cooperated with the investigators. The case is
being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J.
Terz.