Former Detroit Public Schools Accountant Sentenced on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges

Sandra Campbell, 60, a former Detroit Public Schools contract accountant and School Board candidate, was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison today by United States District Judge Julian Abele Cook on charges of program fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and tax charges, following a five-week jury trial that took place in August, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Paul M. Abbate, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge, Erick Martinez, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; and Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Jack Martin.

Sandra Campbell was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison on charges of program fraud against the Detroit Public Schools, money laundering, and criminal tax fraud. In addition, Campbell was ordered to pay restitution to the Detroit Public Schools in the amount of $530,091. Co-defendant Domonique Campbell, daughter of Sandra Campbell, is set to be sentenced on January 7, 2014, at 11 a.m.

The evidence presented at trial established that between 2004 and 2008, Sandra Campbell and Domonique Campbell obtained in excess of $530,000 from the Detroit Public Schools through a fraudulent scheme in which orders were placed with the Campbells’ sham company for books and educational materials never provided to the schools. Sandra Campbell and Domonique Campbell conspired to launder the fraud proceeds and to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and failed to report the money they fraudulently obtained from the Detroit Public Schools as income on their tax returns.

United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said, "Anyone who considers defrauding our schools should take note that we are scrutinizing records and conduct, and we will prosecute those who steal funds intended to educate our children."

DPS Emergency Manager Martin stated, “This sentence sends a powerful message that fraudulently converting DPS resources for personal gain and thereby depriving students of the tools they need to prepare for educational and employment opportunities will not be tolerated. If you steal DPS resources, you will get caught, and you will be prosecuted."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul M. Abbate stated, “In this case, the defendant’s criminal actions amounted to stealing the opportunity for a quality education from our children. Such conduct cannot, and will not, be tolerated. The FBI Detroit Field Office, together with our local, state, and federal partners, will continue to battle public corruption and hold those responsible accountable for their actions."

IRS Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez stated, “Those who profit at the expense of our children and steal from our community will be held accountable for their greedy actions."

The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI, IRS, and Department of Education-Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of Detroit Public Schools-Office of Inspector General. The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Michael Buckley and Bruce Judge of the Public Corruption Unit.