Ex-Stanford coach avoids prison over bribery scandal

BOSTON — A former Stanford University sailing coach received a oneday prison sentence Wednesday for racketeering conspiracy in the college admissions bribery scandal. But the federal judge in the case said it would be deemed already served, meaning the ex-coach avoids time behind bars.

The judge also imposed a $10,000 fine on John Vandemoer and two years of supervised release, including six months of home confinement.

Mr. Vandemoer, 41, of Palo Alto, Calif., became the first person sentenced in the Varsity Blues case, out of 50 the federal government charged.

Prosecutors say Mr. Vandemoer accepted $610,000 in bribes but funneled it to the sailing program, a contrast from others accused. U.S. District Judge Rya Zobel said, “I have not heard of anyone who is less culpable.”