investigation uncovers federal probe into Ohio cha...
CLEVELAND - An exclusive 5 On Your Side investigation revealed a federal probe into Ohio charter schools involving a money trail of illegal immigration fees, as well as other payments to individuals living overseas. Concept Schools operate 16 Horizon Science Science Academies across Ohio. One of its schools in Cleveland was recently named a US Department of Education "Blue Ribbon" school for excellence in education. The program was founded in Cleveland by Turkish educators in 1999 and now includes schools in Ohio and four other states. "Our schools are public charter schools. They're not Turkish schools, they're not Islamic schools. They provide a high quality education," said Salim Ucan, Vice President of Concept Schools. Yet, the US Department of Labor opened an ongoing investigation into a Cleveland school in 2008 that involves the use of H1-B visas issued by the US government to foreign workers if they provide "specialized services" in the United States. Federal investigators asked Horizon Science Academy Denison, in Cleveland, for all its H1-B visa documentation. US Immigration records showed 53 H-1B visas were issued to Horizon Schools statewide in 2008 and 2009. Our investigation also reviewed 10 years of financial audits performed by state auditors. Auditors found immigration fees and legal fees for school officials' families and others living in Turkey. In some cases, auditors found payments were made to individuals who were never employed by any of the schools ...