Fake Harvard student graduated from Delaware high school

    Delaware man who faked his way into Harvard University grew up in Milton.

    The man accused of faking his way into Harvard University has been arraigned in a Massachusetts court.  His bail has been set at $5,000.

    Adam Wheeler has been charged with 20 counts of larceny, identity fraud and other charges.  He is accused of faking records to gain admission to Harvard University.  He was able to get over $45,000 in scholarships and grants because of his fake records.

    Adam Wheeler courtsey: Middlesex County DA
    Adam Wheeler courtsey: Middlesex County DA

    He listed on his application that he attended the prestigious Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass.   However, the Delaware state board of education office confirms to WHYY that Wheeler graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in Dover.

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    According to the Boston Globe, Wheeler’s parents, Richard and Lee Wheeler along with a young woman believed to be the younger Wheeler’s girl friend attended the court hearing.   Wheeler could post the cash bail.  He could leave Massachusetts and return home to Delaware as long as he abides by conditions in his release.  One of those conditions is that he would not go near Harvard University.

    The Wheeler story has received national attention.  Assistant District John Verner of Middlesex County says Wheeler’s story complete with a perfect SAT score started to unravel after he applied for a Fulbright and Rhodes scholarship.  He had also applied for an internship at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Ma.  On his application he said he was taking a semester off from Harvard University. During a background check the hospital found conflicting information in the paperwork and was not given the internship.  In an outline of his case, the district attorney said Wheeler took the same application and sent it on to Yale University in New Haven, Ct. and Brown University in Rhode Island.

    During the arraignment hearing this morning Verner said Wheeler’s parents forced their son to confess to his lies.  Verner said Wheeler’s parents  intercepted the phone call and confronted their son.

    Wheeler was indicted on May 6th.  He was arrested in Delaware on May 10th and returned to Massachusetts on Monday.  He will appear for another hearing in Massachusetts on June 9th.

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