Attorney General Laxalt Announces Sentencing of man in Connection With Fraudulent Online Charter School


June 17, 2015

Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that Roy Harden, 30, of Las Vegas, was sentenced this week for theft and for filing a false document in a public office, a category “B” and “C” felony, respectively. The fraud was committed between December 2011 and March 2012.

    Harden created an online charter school named Renaissance Academy. He falsely reported enrollment for 481 students, when in fact, only 121 students were enrolled. Based on these additional 360 students, the Department of Education overpaid Renaissance Academy by more than $300,000.

      “Funds from the Department of Education are to be used for the advancement of education, and not for personal gain,” said Laxalt. “Those attempting to defraud taxpayers and any branch of government by misrepresenting the facts will be brought to justice.”

        Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Carolyn Ellsworth sentenced Harden to 24- to 60-months for the theft, and 12- to 32-months in prison on the charge of filing a false document. The two prison sentences were suspended, and Harden was put on probation in order for him to repay more than $300,000 to the state. In the meantime, he was ordered to serve six months in the Clark County Detention Center.

          This case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Daniel Westmeyer and Deputy Attorney General Gary Mathews.

            To file a complaint with the Office of the Nevada Attorney General, click here. To view the criminal Information, click here.

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