Chevy Chase Man In College Bribery Scam Resigns As Tennis Coach

BETHESDA, MD — Gordon Ernst — a Chevy Chase resident and a veteran tennis coach indicted in a nationwide college admissions bribery scheme — stepped down as head coach of the University of Rhode Island women's team last week, the school announced.

The 52-year-old athletic coach is among dozens indicted in what the Department of Justice has called the "largest ever" college recruitment scam. Those named in the indictment allegedly helped cheat on college entrance exams and the admission of students to elite universities as purported athletic recruits at Yale, Stanford, USC, Wake Forest, and Georgetown University, among others.

Prosecutors allege Ernst accepted more than $2.7 million during his tenure as Georgetown's tennis coach and designated 12 applicants as athletic recruits. Some of the recruits did not play tennis competitively but were still admitted to the university.

Ernst is charged with racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution.

Following Ernst's indictment, URI said that Ernst had passed a criminal background check prior to his hiring. They also said Ernst, who was employed at the university since August 2018, did not have any influence on or involvement with URI's recruitment or admissions.

On March 25, Ernst pleaded not guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for helping students get into Georgetown University, multiple outlets reported.