In Atlanta today, former educators learned a harsh lesson when they were convicted of inflating/faking test scores.
Vinita Nair is looking into this.
We, the jury, found the defendant guilty.
11 educators looked stunned when a verdict came down that could put hem in prison for two decades.
Dr. Jerry Baxter presided over the case.
They have made their bed and they are going to have to lie in it and it starts today.
The allegations date back to 2009 when a state investigation found that 44 middle and elementary schools cheated with nearly 180 educators involved, including 38 principals.
According to investigators, educators gave students answers and even changed answers on tests after they had been submitted.
Prosecutors claim they were motivated by pressure to keep their jobs or get bonuses.
The indictment showed educators who tried to report the cheating faced a culture of fear and intimidation created by then-superintendent Beverly Hall.
Hall was indicted but died less than a month ago of breast cancer.
She maintained her innocence and never faced charges.
Today, only one teacher had the racketeering charges dismissed.
Until they are sentenced next month, the other 11 will remain behind bars.
Gerald Briggs represents one of the convicted teachers.
I don't see how you send educators to prison.
I just don't seeing that.
I don't see Fulton county being safer because of that and as an attorney I do respect the jury system.
I respect this jury's verdict.
But I'm trying to figure out which case they were listening to for the last seven months.
Of the 35 educators who were indicted the majority reached plea deals receiving probation, fines, and community service.
As for the 11 awaiting sentence, they were convicted on racketeering charges.
Scott, this is the first time that's ever happened in an academic misconduct trial.
Vinita, thank you very much.
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