Medford, Oregon – In a federal court ruling on Monday, Cynthia Pickering, 56, of Central Point, Oregon, received a 36-month probation sentence for orchestrating a scheme that involved using her deceased husband’s identity to unlawfully secure over $36,000 in federal student aid. Additionally, Pickering was ordered to pay $36,341 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Education.
According to court documents, Pickering engaged in her fraudulent plan between September 2017 and April 2019. The scheme involved the submission of multiple applications for federal student aid under her deceased husband’s name, resulting in disbursements totaling $36,341 from three Oregon colleges and universities—Eastern Oregon University, Rogue Community College, and Western Oregon University—into Pickering’s personal checking account.
To maintain the illusion and eligibility for student aid, Pickering attended online classes, impersonating her late husband. She successfully completed first-term courses at each institution, ensuring the flow of funds into her account.
The elaborate scheme came to light on October 6, 2022, when a federal grand jury in Medford indicted Pickering on nine counts, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and student loan fraud. Subsequently, on November 15, 2022, Pickering was arrested at her residence in Central Point. On August 21, 2023, she pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and three counts of student aid fraud.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General (ED-OIG). John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, prosecuted the case. The sentencing reflects the severity of the charges and aims to deter similar fraudulent activities in the future.
Source: US DOJ
