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Apex Woman In Trouble For Allegedly Lying To Get Free Tuition

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Investigators said a former Durham Regional Hospital employee scammed the college out of tuition for as many as three years by posing as a captain in the Air Force.

Lisa Phillips, of Apex, told a judge that she was fired the same day she was arrested for posing as an officer in the Air Force.

Prosecutors said the scheme cost Meredith College at least $42,000 in tuition waivers. According to court papers, Phillips e-mailed college faculty and staff claiming to be a captain in the Air Force. They said she even wore the uniform.

Investigators said Phillips even showed off several military medals of honor, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. According to court papers, the scheme lasted from March 2002 until January 2005.

It is not clear if Phillips graduated from Meredith College or was caught before that. An college representative told WRAL the college is cooperating with the investigation, but cannot comment on the case.

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