Teacher Trades Grades For Cash, Wine
The indictment accused Escano of tampering with computer records in the registrar's office to reflect the higher grades. His attorney said he is innocent.
The indictment also accused Escano of recruiting students to promote his scheme and generate more business for him, sometimes paying them with grade changes.
Escano was charged with grand larceny, falsifying business records, computer tampering and forgery in a 137-count indictment. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
In September, Brown said, Escano advised a student who had received a subpoena to testify before a Queens grand jury to say she didn't know anything.
Escano was arrested Wednesday after a six-month investigation. He was arraigned and was being held on $100,000 bail.
He's been placed on paid leave by LaGuardia Community College, which is part of the City University of New York system. An audit of school records by CUNY officials triggered the investigation.