Former NJ Athletic Director Admits Fraud Scheme

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A former New Jersey high school athletic director has admitted conspiring with an athletic equipment firm to defraud the school district.

Former Long Branch High School AD Charles Ferrara Jr. of Belmar pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Newark to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

Prosecutors say Ferrara conspired with officials of Circle Systems Group of Easton, Pa., by creating fake price quotes to rig bids on equipment.

Ferrara also admitted submitting fraudulent invoices and accepting kickbacks, including a personal computer and video games.

Former Circle president David Drill pleaded guilty in December 2008 to fraud conspiracy.

Ferrara faces up to five years in prison at sentencing Feb. 22, although the actual sentence is likely to be less.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)