Former TCC employee arrested in Virginia

A third person suspected of being involved in a grade-tampering scheme at Tulsa Community College is back in Tulsa. <br><br>Elizabeth Espinoza was returned to the state Wednesday night from Virginia.

Friday, May 24th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A third person suspected of being involved in a grade-tampering scheme at Tulsa Community College is back in Tulsa.

Elizabeth Espinoza was returned to the state Wednesday night from Virginia. She faces one count of violating Oklahoma's Computer Crimes Act, which is a felony. Espinoza is suspected of altering records of Middle Eastern students at TCC enabling them to enroll at the schoolsâ€™ Northeast Campus without proper English language skills.

Tulsa Police Cpl Stephen Boyes, "It seems to be a pattern of Middle Eastern students that they are either having grades changed or having forged English documents stating they are proficient in English and can enroll in college here in the United States."

Two others, including Tarig Al-Taweel from Saudi Arabia, also face charges. A conviction of violating Oklahoma's Computer Crimes Act carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison.