College professor accused of stealing students money, issuing fake certificates

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Students entrusted their hopes and dreams in his hands as a tenured professor in the Biology Department of Medgar Evers College.

Instead, the U.S. Attorney's Office says Mamdouh Abdel-Sayed not only betrayed his students, but stole their money through fraudulent trade courses he allegedly operated on campus grounds.

According to an indictment unsealed Friday Abdel-Sayed offered fake certificates in Electrocardiograms, Phlebotomy, and Sonography.

He allegedly charged students up to $1,000 for the fake certificates he claimed would help students find jobs.

One student who didn't want Eyewitness News to identify him said Abdel-Sayed was well loved and respected throughout the student body.

Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with fraud, corruption, and obstruction offenses, students say it's still hard to believe these accusations.

The school released the following statement saying in part: "We have no tolerance for anyone attempting to take advantage of our students, and we appreciate the work of the Inspector General and the United States Attorney and thank them for their swift and thorough response."

After making his first court appearance, Abdel-Sayed was released on $100,000 bond and ordered to surrender his passport.

If convicted of these charges he could face between 10-20 years in prison.