Vernon Hatley's part in a school fraud scheme is put in varying light by two who admit guilt.

'Oh Lord, please don't let it be shag." That is the prayer I sent heavenward -- or wherever my prayers go -- while sitting through Monday's court hearing for Vern Hatley.

A lawyer for former school transportation director Vernon Hatley said his asked a judge Tuesday to withdraw the guilty plea Hatley entered in October. Also, the company at the center of the school fraud scandal was indicted Tuesday by a Wake County grand jury.

Vernon Hatley stood before a judge in October and admitted guilt in the Wake County school transportation fraud scheme. But his attorney filed papers Thursday insisting that, although Hatley might have done wrong, he did not commit any crimes.

Former school administrator Carol Dail Finch finds nine years too harsh for a scheme that bilked Wake schools of $3.8 million; a judge will sentence her later.

The scam cost Wake County's schools millions of dollars. Angela Malloy-Sanders, a former transportation quality control manager, pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges.

Two former Wake County school transportation employees surrendered to authorities Thursday, more than two weeks after they were indicted, accused in a scheme to defraud taxpayers.

Two more former Wake County school transportation employees were charged Tuesday with being part of a scheme to fraudulently bill taxpayers for at least $3.8 million.

The Wake County school system's frantic rush to spend money before the end of the budget year made it easier for employees to defraud taxpayers, SBI agent says.

It could cost nearly $500,000 of taxpayers' money to reassure the public that there are no more fraud problems in the Wake County school system.

Outside firm sought in fraud.

'Serious charges' in Wake parts case.