USC Labeled Children of Donors as ‘VIP,’ Gave Preferential Treatment, Parent Alleges

This is a new accusation being made by one of the parents charged in the case.

Attorneys for robert zangrillo arguing in federal court in boston that admissions officers at usc were actually aware that students applying for school would be judged on more than just grades and test scores.

Zangrillo — a miami developer — is accused of fraud for trying to get his daughter into the california school.

Reports say that his attorneys have emails from usc officials... Showing what they say is a system that rewards big donors at the school.

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In a statement to the globe usc says “mr zangrillo’s filing appears to be part of a legal and public relations strategy to divert attention away from the criminal fraud for which he has been indicted by a federal grand jury.”

This is just another twist in this huge case...

By the way the next big appearance in the admissions scandal... Actress felcity huffman... She will be sentenced here in boston sept 13.

Live at federal court js nbc10 boston

The the

The University of Southern California tagged children of wealthy donors as "VIP" and gave them preferential treatment, a parent implicated in a sweeping college admission scandal has alleged.

Attorneys for Robert Zangrillo filed a defense motion at a Boston federal court alleging that USC gave deference to students whose families had made generous donations, the Boston Globe reported.

Zangrillo — a Miami developer — is accused of fraud for trying to get his daughter into the California school.

According to the Globe, Zangrillo's attorneys obtained speadsheets in which students were tagged as VIPs and emails between officials that allegedly show preferential treatment.

In a statement to the Globe, USC said "Mr. Zangrillo’s filing appears to be part of a legal and public relations strategy to divert attention away from the criminal fraud for which he has been indicted by a federal grand jury."

The motion was the latest in the ongoing scandal that has implicated Hollywood stars, business executives and top collegiate coaches.

Dozens have been charged, including 33 parents, 10 coaches and college athletics officials, and seven others accused of orchestrating bribes or a separate scheme to cheat on college entrance exams.