Rich parents guilty in college scandal

A jury gave two privileged parents the varsity blues.

Casino executive Gamal Abdelaziz and Staples exec John Wilson were convicted on Friday of scamming to get their children into top-notch schools as athletic recruits.

The verdict in Boston closed out the first case to go to trial in the “Operation Varsity Blues” college admissions cheating scandal that embroiled prestigious universities and rich and famous folks across the country.

“What they did was an affront to hardworking students and parents, but the verdict today proves that even these defendants — powerful and privileged people — are not above the law,” acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Mendell told reporters.

Abdelaziz’s daughter didn’t even make her high school varsity basketball team, but the Las Vegas businessman paid $300,000 to get her into the University of Southern California as a basketball recruit. The university’s prestigious basketball program launched hardwood stars including Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie.

Wilson (photo) was accused of paying $220,000 to get his son into that same school as a water polo recruit. He is also accused of shelling out $1 million to get his twin daughters into Harvard and Stanford.

Both men were convicted of fraud and bribery conspiracy.

Lawyers for Abdelaziz and Wilson claimed their clients made legitimate donations and that admissions consultant Rick Singer was to blame for bribery and altering student credentials. Singer pleaded guilty to charges including money-laundering, cooperated with the government, and is waiting to be sentenced.

An FBI wiretap was used to prosecute Abdelaziz and Wilson.

Both men will be sentenced in February. Abdelaziz’s lawyer said he will appeal.

“This is obviously not the result Mr. Abdelaziz was hoping for but that’s why we have appellate courts,” attorney Brian Kelly said in an email.

More than 60 parents were caught-up in the investigation that netted Abdelaziz and Wilson. Some parents paid to have surrogates take college entrance exams for their kids.

More than 30 parents who have pleaded guilty in the scandal, including actors Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin. Sentences have ranged from probation to nine months in prison. A former athletic director, two coaches and three parents are still waiting to go to trial.