SALT LAKE CITY -- A former federal grant specialist for Davis School District who bilked the district out of $4 million was fined $500.
John Ross, 67, appeared in federal court Wednesday for his sentencing hearing. He had pleaded guilty Sept. 30 to "aiding and abetting" his wife, Susan G. Ross, in forging fraudulent copyright notices.
John Ross will not serve any prison time. Susan Ross pleaded guilty on Oct. 2 to money laundering and a sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 14.
Melodie Rydalch, spokeswoman with the U.S. Attorney General's Office released a statement Wednesday that said as part of the plea agreement federal prosecutors did not argue for a prison sentence for John Ross.
"While we believe Mr. Ross aided and abetted the criminal conduct involved in this case, the primary focus of the case has been Susan Ross," Rydalpch wrote. "Cases are resolved short of trial for a variety of reasons, including the strength of evidence, relative culpability of the defendants, and the individual circumstances of the defendants charged in the case. In this case, the circumstances led us to conlcude the plea agreement was appropriate.
"The decision on whether to follow the government's recommendation and whether to impose a period of probation and all other terms of the sentence, were within the judge's discretion. We accept his decision," Rydalch added.
Together, John and Susan Ross agreed to pay Davis School District $350,115 in restitution, plus forfeit assets worth more approximately $1 million.
The Davis School District has reserved comment on the decision.
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