CHICAGO (AP) - Federal prosecutors contend the head of a consulting firm laid the foundation for an ex-employee to become head of the Chicago Public Schools.
Former schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett was ousted for participating in a scheme that steered contracts to education-services companies in exchange for anticipated kickbacks.
SUPES Academy and Synesi Associates education consulting companies co-owner Gary Solomon pleaded guilty in October to wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison. In a brief, he’s asking for 18 months in prison when sentenced March 24.
People were interested in these podcasts
Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Church said Tuesday Solomon is “glossing over the significance of his corruption.”
Byrd-Bennett admitted she steered contracts to SUPES Academy for up to $2.3 million in kickbacks. She faces about seven years in prison when she’s sentenced later this year.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.