Man guilty of duping Harvard, taking financial aid

WOBURN, Mass. – A Delaware man has admitted faking his way into Harvard University and has been ordered to repay more than $45,000 in financial aid he received.

Adam Wheeler pleaded guilty Thursday to identity fraud, larceny and 18 other charges stemming from allegations he fabricated a perfect record of academic achievement to get into the Ivy League school just outside Boston. He also has been sentenced to 10 years of probation and ordered to continue counseling.

The 24-year-old English major was tossed from Harvard last year after he tried to get the school's endorsement for Rhodes and Fulbright scholarships. A professor reviewing his applications became suspicious after finding evidence he had plagiarized from another professor.

Wheeler apologized in court. He says he's "ashamed and embarrassed" about his actions.