The final criminal case in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud the Wake County school system ended Tuesday with the sentencing of a former secretary.

Most of the money given to a group opposing the Wake County school bonds referendum is from Americans for Prosperity, a national advocacy group led in North Carolina by state director Fran DeLuca.

A multimillion-dollar fraud case that rocked public confidence in the Wake County school system drew near its end Monday with the sentencing of the remaining major players. Four people, including Carol Dail Finch, were sentenced in the scam, which cost the Wake school system at least $3.8 million in taxpayers' money.

Harold Ray Estes, the only person to go to trial in connection with the Wake school transportation scandal, was convicted of fraud and conspiracy late Friday. He was sentenced to between 11 and 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Defendant among 7 named in plot.

Was Harold Ray Estes a trusting man who left his financial affairs to his future wife, or was he the fiscal agent in an elaborate four-year scheme that stole millions from taxpayers? That is the question jurors seated Tuesday in his trial will have to decide.

Wake County school administrators presented a report to school board members Tuesday, saying they are trying to implement recommendations from an outside firm to reduce the possibility of fraud.

Consultant wants tighter oversight.

Company admits fraud, will pay.

The former senior transportation director for Wake County schools will spend at least seven years in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud the school system of more than $3 million.

Wake County Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens denied on Wednesday Vernon Hatley's motion to withdraw a guilty plea for his part in a scheme that prosecutors are calling the biggest kickback scandal in Wake County government history.

Former transportation chief says phony invoices escaped notice of busy office.