Former DSU Assoc. Registrar Pleads Guilty in Bribery Scheme

A former associate registrar at Delaware State University has pleaded guilty to a charge of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. According to the US Attorney for the District of Delaware, Crystal Martin accepted bribes from a co-conspirator in exchange for her agreement to change the registration status of hundreds of out-of-state students to qualify for in-state tuition. The out-of-state students paid either Martin or her co-conspirator – Martin personally collected over $70,000 in bribe payments during the course of the scheme – which happened between 2013 and 2017. The estimated cost to the University of reduced tuition payments exceeded $3-million. Martin is scheduled to be sentenced July 1st and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Delaware State University issued this statement: “We are aware of the guilty plea of Crystal Martin, a former Delaware State University employee, and have been working in close cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Given the ongoing criminal proceedings, the University cannot comment at this time.”