In August 2004, WRAL first reported about a fraud investigation in which at least $4 million was diverted from the Wake County Public School System in an automotive parts scheme involving then-employees of the school system's transportation department and a Wilson-based automotive parts company, Barnes Motors & Parts.
Investigators said the suspects submitted fake orders for auto parts and bought gift cards, trucks, boats, trailers and other high-priced items for themselves.
To date, seven people, including five former school system employees and two former Barnes' employees, have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the fraud scheme. Sentences range from 60 days to 15 years in prison.
The Wake County school system has recovered an estimated $5 million.
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Players in Wake schools fraud case working again
Former employees of the Wake County Public School System and a Wilson-based automotive parts supplier are working again while they serve prison sentences for their roles in a fraud scheme.
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Wake schools fraud convict's house catches fire
Johnston County authorities were called Thursday evening to a house in Benson registered to Harold Estes.
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School fraud convict can't swap fine for more jail time
Harold Estes' request to save himself $500,000 was denied. Records show Estes owns multiple properties valued at almost $1 million.
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Court Rules Against Appeal in Wake Schools Fraud Case
The only person not to plead guilty in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving the Wake County Public School System lost his appeal Tuesday.
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Ex-Director In Wake Schools Fraud Scheme Loses Appeal
A former Wake County school system administrator cannot withdraw his guilty plea in connection with a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled.
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N.C. Appeals Court to Hear Wake Schools Fraud Case
A man convicted in connection with a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving the Wake County Public School System will have his case heard before the North Carolina Court of Appeals in September.
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Wake Bus Parts Inventory Found Lacking by State
One year after the Wake County school system closed the book on a multimillion-dollar fraud case within its transportation department, a state inspection shows discrepancies with its bus-parts inventory continue.
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Wake Schools Fraud Conspirator Sentenced to Prison
The last person charged in the Wake County Schools fraud case was sentenced Tuesday to 20 to 33 months in prison.


