Widening SAT cheating probe in NY eyeing at least 35 students, ACT exam also involved

(CBS/WCBS/AP) NEW YORK - New York authorities say their inquiry into alleged SAT cheating has been broadened to also include the ACT college entrance exam, and they expect further arrests.

John Byrne, a spokesman for the Nassau County District Attorney, told The New York Times Wednesday the ACT test appears to be "plagued by the same security vulnerabilities as the SAT."

According to CBS station WCBS, authorities are investigating at least 35 students in five schools, both public and private, in connection to the scandal.

The investigation came to light in September after seven former and current students of a prestigious Long Island high school were arrested in an alleged cheating ring in which, prosecutors say, college student Sam Eshaghoff was paid thousands of dollars to stand in and take the SAT for them.

Eshaghoff was charged with a scheme to defraud, falsifying business records and criminal impersonation. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted. The six students accused of hiring Eshaghoff face misdemeanor charges. They have not been identified because of their age.

Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice said the upcoming arrests could include those who took the tests for others, those who paid, and those who created the fake IDs.

"There are arrests that are going to be made of not just additional test takers but those who paid them as well - it's a much bigger and more systemic problem," said Rice.

Kurt Landgraf, CEO of the group that administers the SAT, said the cheating is isolated, WCBS reports.

"We don't believe impersonation is a common occurrence at test centers," Landgraf said.

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September 27, 2011 - SAT cheating scandal alleged at Long Island high school, college student also accused