More charges in defence contractor workers’ tuition scam

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Charges have been filed against five more people in connection to a tuition reimbursement scam in Indiana allegedly involving dozens of former employees of a British defence contractor.

Defence giant BAE Systems has operations near Baer Field in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Authorities say the company was told in 2016 that some employees had been signing up for courses but not following through. Investigators say workers then pocketed the money, bilking the business out of $700,000.

BAE has said it referred the matter to authorities when it learned of the allegations. About 50 workers have been fired.

A federal grand jury handed down the new indictments Wednesday, meaning 30 people have now been charged in the case. Several have pleaded guilty or have agreed to do so.