Former Seton Hall Law School Dean Sentenced to Prison in $1.3 Million Fraud Case
In a case that has shaken the academic and legal communities, Teresina DeAlmeida, a former assistant dean at Seton Hall University’s law school, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for her role in a complex embezzlement scheme. Federal prosecutors revealed that DeAlmeida, along with two accomplices, siphoned more than $1.3 million from the institution over more than a decade.
Unraveling the Scheme
DeAlmeida, who oversaw financial operations at the law school, pleaded guilty in July to a charge of wire fraud conspiracy. Prosecutors described the fraud as “elaborate and meticulously executed.” According to court documents, DeAlmeida misused her position to funnel funds for personal gain through a series of fraudulent practices.
Among the tactics employed by DeAlmeida were instructing vendors to purchase gift cards for personal use and creating falsified invoices for services that were never rendered. These invoices were crafted to make the payments appear as legitimate business expenses. She also orchestrated payments to her accomplices, Rose Martins, and Silvia Cardoso, under the guise of employment, even though no actual work was performed. Additionally, DeAlmeida and her co-conspirators misused law school-issued credit cards, spending $70,000 on personal items such as luxury shoes, smartwatches, and high-end bed linens.
University’s Internal Investigation
The scheme came to light in 2022 when Seton Hall University began investigating discrepancies in its financial records, uncovering nearly $1 million in missing funds. The findings prompted the university to involve federal authorities, leading to the charges against DeAlmeida and her accomplices.
In the wake of the scandal, Seton Hall implemented comprehensive reforms to strengthen its financial controls. The university’s spokesperson emphasized its commitment to integrity and accountability, stating, “The actions of those involved violated the trust of our community but do not represent the values that define Seton Hall University.”
Administrative Fallout
The fraud scandal has had significant repercussions within Seton Hall’s administration. Several high-ranking officials departed, including Kathleen Boozang, the law school dean at the time. Although Boozang remains a faculty member, she has not publicly commented on the incident. The university’s efforts to restore trust include reinforcing its oversight procedures and enhancing transparency in financial operations.
Awaiting Further Sentencing
DeAlmeida’s co-conspirators, Rose Martins, her assistant, and Silvia Cardoso, her sister and a law school employee, also pleaded guilty to their involvement in the scheme. Both are awaiting sentencing. Attorneys for Martins and Cardoso have declined to comment on their cases.
Legal Ramifications and Lessons Learned
DeAlmeida faced a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison for her crimes. The three-year sentence handed down reflects the severity of the fraud while also serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of abusing positions of trust.
This case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist within large institutions when financial oversight is insufficient. While Seton Hall University has taken proactive steps to address these weaknesses, the scandal highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance to prevent similar misconduct in the future. Educational institutions nationwide may view this case as a call to evaluate and bolster their safeguards against internal fraud.
With DeAlmeida now serving her sentence and systemic reforms underway, Seton Hall University aims to move forward while remaining committed to its values and the trust of its community.
