Three Valley residents were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to applying for $5.2 million in fraudulent student aid.
Jacqueline Scroggins of Avondale, Jamar Britt and Amethyst Nicole Henderson of Phoenix pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges in the US District Court of Arizona.
The scheme was masterminded by Scroggins, 53, who also used last names "Jones" and "Smith," according to court documents.
Federal investigators say she applied to schools within the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) using at least 483 stolen identities. The scheme is alleged to have taken place during 2012 and 2013.
In a plea agreement, Henderson, 30, admitted to submitting false FAFSA applications and using debit cards intended to disburse student aid.
Britt, 36, is accused of actually going into the schools with fake documentation when questions arose about the application.
Nearly $1.7 million in student aid was disbursed to the trio.
Scroggins is sentenced to 37 months, Henderson to 27 months and Britt to 15 months in federal prison.
