John Vandemoer, former Stanford sailing coach, sentenced for scam at college admission

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He is one of 50 people – coaches, parents and members of the inner circle of William Rick Singer – who were arrested in the aftermath of the March scandal.
Vandemoer pled guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering for organizing bribes of $ 110,000 and $ 160,000 as part of the sailing program, then nominated two candidates, who had no experience of sailing, as recruits of the sail, according to her complaint. None of the students completed the application process, university officials said.

Now, Vandemoer's fate will be in the hands of Judge Rya Zobel in a federal Massachusetts court.

"His actions not only cheated and defrauded the university that hired him, but also validated the national cynicism sparked by college admissions by helping affluent and unscrupulous candidates to enjoy life." an unfair advantage over those who lack financial means or who just do not want to cheat to go forward, "US Deputy Attorney Eric Rosen wrote in a memorandum on the sentence filed June 7.

Rosen recommended to Vandemoer a 13-month prison sentence, saying that it would help deter people in powerful positions in universities from committing similar crimes and that a sanction would restore confidence in the system. 39; admission.

Vandemoer's lawyer, Robert Fisher, wrote to Judge Zobel on Friday in a memorandum that he was sentenced to probation and not to a prison sentence, arguing that he had not cashed money, had not taken money from the university and that this was his only example of bad judgment.

"Mr. Vandemoer has failed, in one case, to meet the high expectations that he sets for himself," Fisher wrote. "He accepts full responsibility for his mistake, and Mr. Vandemoer is determined to repair the wrong caused by this mistake and continues to provide for his family."

Just two days before Vandemoer's conviction, Stanford University officials submitted a victim impact statement outlining how Vandemoer, who had exchanged slots for student-athletes for bribes , had damaged the university.

"Mr. Vandemoer's actions in this case are deeply disappointing and especially since he had a reputation for caring deeply about his student-athletes," said Debra Zumwalt, Vice President and General Counsel of Stamford University.

The impact statement accused Vandemoer and Singer not only of undermining public confidence in the college admissions process, but also of costing valuable time and money at the university to make facing the fallout of the federal inquiry.

Stanford dismissed Vandemoer the same day he pleaded guilty.

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The university has identified a third student who has worked with Singer and Vandemoer to be admitted to Stanford, university officials said. The admission of this student was canceled and their credits were released, according to the statement of impact.

Stanford officials have previously stated that the Key Worldwide Foundation, the fictional Singer's charity, had donated a total of $ 770,000 to the sailing program in the form of three separate donations.

Zumwalt said the money was considered corrupt and university officials are working with the California Attorney General to donate the money for the public good.

"Stanford does not want to profit from Mr. Vandemoer's conduct," said Zumwalt.

Twenty-seven letters of support to Vandemoer were sent to Judge Zobel, all pleading for clemency.

Vandemoer's wife, Molly Vandemoer, explained how the former university sailing coach had found a therapist shortly after his dismissal and was seeking an MBA as a way to rebuild his life.

"I know he's made a mistake," wrote Molly. "I know it's extremely expensive for his livelihood, our family, etc. But I know he'll never do that again."

Clinton Hayes, former Vandemoer senior assistant, has become the acting chief of the sailing team after the dismissal of the coach by the university. Hayes explained that Vandemoer gave priority to student athletes by allowing them to participate in sailing competitions or major trips, which speaks volumes about the selflessness of the coach.

"John really wanted each of our student athletes to make Stanford a better person and a productive member of society …" wrote Hates. "John always did what was right for every individual."

Other letters came from alumni, parents, and other family members.

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