B.C. businessman David Sidoo receives 90-day prison sentence in U.S. college admissions scandal

B.C. businessman David Sidoo has been sentenced to 90 days in prison after pleading guilty for his role in the U.S. college admissions scandal.

Speaking to a U.S. judge via video link on Wednesday, Sidoo apologized and told the judge he is “deeply ashamed.”

“I make no excuses. I broke the law. I pled guilty to a crime and now I must pay for my actions,” Sidoo said.

0:42 B.C. businessman David Sidoo sentenced to 90 days in jail

The judge said Sidoo displayed an “unbelievable lack of integrity, morality and common sense” in trying to cheat his sons’ way into prestigious universities.

The judge accepted a plea deal that was reached earlier this year.

Under the terms of that deal Sidoo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Sidoo was given credit for four days he spent in jail following his arrest and will be incarcerated on Sept. 23. He will also pay a US$250,000 fine.

2:36 New details about allegations facing B.C. businessman David Sidoo

Prosecutors alleged Sidoo paid admissions consultant William (Rick) Singer two installments of $100,000 to have an associate take the SATs for his two sons and attempted to pay for further tests on top of those.

1:51 U.S. attorneys say David Sidoo engaged in fraud and deception over multiple years

He previously pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in March 2019 however changed his plea a year later.

Sidoo has had his Order of B.C. revoked, and his name has been removed from the University of British Columbia’s football stadium.

— With files from Global News’ Richard Zussman