Student who conned his way into Harvard says sorry | World news | The Guardian
Student who conned his way into Harvard says sorry | World news | The Guardian: "Adam Wheeler, a 24-year-old who conned his way into Harvard and benefited from more than $40,000 (£26,000) in grants and prizes, flew too close to the sun. Not content with having bragged his way into one of the world's most prestigious universities, he felt driven to apply – equally fraudulently – for Rhodes and Fulbright scholarships. The application was a deception too far, and led to the discovery of a string of lies that this week earned Wheeler 10 years on probation and the order to repay Harvard $45,806. He pleaded guilty to all 20 counts against him, including larceny, identity fraud and pretending to hold a degree. 'I'm ashamed and embarrassed by what I've done,' he told a Massachusetts court in a voice so quiet it was barely above a whisper. 'As much as possible, I want to put this behind me and move forward.' Wheeler's impressive record of deceit began ...