Prosecutors to arrest at least 35 students in SAT, ACT cheating scandal
By Mike Xirinachs
GREAT NECK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — A Long Island cheating scandal involving college entrance exams is expanding, with prosecutors planning to arrest at least 35 students in five schools, both public and private.
The investigation revealed the alleged cheating scheme not only included the SAT, but the ACT as well. Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice warned of more arrests last month.
"There are arrests that are going to be made of not just additional test takers but those who paid them as well, it's a much bigger and more systemic problem," said Rice.
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Police made the first arrest in September, Sam Eshaghoff, a college student and Great Neck graduate.
Prosecutors say Eshagoff and six other students were paid to impersonate students at Great Neck North High School and take their SATs for them.
Some of the test takers even had fake IDs to pull off the stunt.
At a recent State Senate hearing, Kurt Landgraf, the CEO of the group that administers the SAT said the cheating is isolated and the majority of students do the right thing.
"We don't believe impersonation is a common occurrence at test centers," said Landgraf.
Rice said the arrests could include those who took the tests for others, those who paid, and those who created the fake IDs.
