BRADENTON, Fla. — IMG Academy director Mark Riddell said he assumes "full responsibility" for his actions amid allegations he was paid to take college entrance exams in place of students.
The since-suspended director of college entrance exam prep at the Bradenton-based institution said in a statement Wednesday he understands how his actions contributed to a loss of trust in the college admissions process.
Riddell was named this week as part of a larger scheme involving coaches, parents and a consulting company conspiring to get children into elite schools. Justice Department officials allege parents paid "enormous sums" of money to the company to essentially guarantee their children's admission and, in turn, coaches and administrators were paid off.
Parents charged include Hollywood actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman.
Riddell in the statement asserts he never bribed anyone and is not charged with bribery. He is, however, charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud despite being a cooperating witness in the investigation.
Court documents claim Riddell was getting paid by admissions consultant Rick Singer, who was collecting money from the wealthy parents.
"I will always regret the choices I made, but I also believe that the more than one thousand students I legitimately counseled, inspired, and helped reach their goals in my career will paint a more complete picture of the person I truly am," Riddell said in the statement.
IMG suspended Riddell as it investigates.
Riddell released the following statement via his attorney:
"I want to communicate to everyone that I am profoundly sorry for the damage I have done and grief I have caused those as a result of my needless actions. I understand how my actions contributed to a loss of trust in the college admissions process.
I assume full responsibility for what I have done. I do, however, want to clarify an assertion that has arisen in the media coverage. I absolutely, unequivocally never bribed anyone, nor has the Information filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office charged me with any form of bribery.
I will always regret the choices I made, but I also believe that the more than one thousand students I legitimately counseled, inspired, and helped reach their goals in my career will paint a more complete picture of the person I truly am.
I will not be making any further public comments on the matter."
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