Hyannis Port Man Charged In College Cheating Case

HYANNIS PORT, MA – A Hyannis Port man is one of 50 people named in a college recruitment scam that's swept up parents, coaches and a couple of TV actresses. John Wilson, 59, is the founder and CEO of private equity and real estate development firm Hyannis Port Capital.

Wilson is charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Actresses Lori Loughlin, best known as Aunt Becky on "Full House," and Felicity Huffman, known for her role as Lynette Scavo on "Desperate Housewives," face the same charge.

The investigation, dubbed "Operation Varsity Blues," has been called the "largest ever" admissions scandal by federal prosecutors. In total, 50 people have been named, including 33 parents, nine coaches, two SAT and ACT administrators, one proctor and one college administrator.

William "Rick" Singer, 56, of Newport Beach, California, who is accused by federal officials of being at the center of the scheme, is charged in Massachusetts with racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice.

Singer owns "Edge College & Career Network, LLC," also known as "The Key," a purported charitable foundation that he used as a front for laundering money to facilitate the scheme, officials said. Many of the bribes were paid through the purported charity, prosecutors said.

Singer pleaded guilty in Boston federal court Tuesday, The Associated Press reported.

Related: Falmouth Property Could Be Seized In College Cheating Case

'Operation Varsity Blues': College Cheating Scheme Names Dozens