Student Faces Probation for Changing School Grades

A graduate of Cherry Hill High School East admitted that he committed a crime of computer theft by unlawfully accessing a computer system of the Board of Education to allow grade alterations. The 18-year old student pleaded guilty on February 28, 2007.

Jonathan To through an agreement with prosecutors would not have to cover a prison sentence instead complete probation. The length of the probation would be as per the judge's decision. To is scheduled for sentence on March 30, 2007.

Judy Berry, assistant Camden County Prosecutor said the sentencing judge could decide putting conditions on this probation, such as requiring To to perform a community service. Courierpostonline.com published Berry's statement on March 1, 2007. She said To is now a student at Drexel University.

To admitted using a password to breach a database in a Board of Education computer to increase grades for students in the high school on September 8, 2006. To admitted to the police that at the time he was a high school senior he changed the grade of one student just for fun.

In the end To changed grades for five students and charged them money, Berry said. She was not aware what amount he accepted.

To's attorney, William C. O'Brien Jr., argued that To did not charge any payments and that he changed only two grades. Philly.com published the attorney's statement on March 1, 2007. He said To repented his act and would like to forget it. There was no charge on To about changing his own grades.

A routine assessment of grades under the case's investigation indicated that payment might have been made to one or both of the defendants for the grade fixing. There was no reference of this payment in court and Berry would not outline any of the investigation's proceeds.

In the same week of February 2007 another 17-year old senior pleaded guilty to the same charge. Being a juvenile court kept his name confidential. The senior received probation for one year and 100 hours of doing service to the community.

The other four students served school discipline but faced no criminal charge.

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» SPAMfighter News - 3/15/2007