Parent convicted in college bribery case asks to remain free

BOSTON — The head of a private equity firm and former Staples Inc. executive convicted of bribery and fraud charges for trying to pay more than $1.2 million to buy his three children’s way into elite universities asked the court Friday to allow him to remain free pending his appeal. John Wilson, 62, was sentenced last month to 15 months in prison, the longest sentence so far handed down in the sprawling college admissions bribery scandal dubbed Operation Varsity Blues that ensnared nearly 60 parents as well as college athletic officials. “In short, Mr. Wilson’s appeal presents a host of complex, unresolved questions that could well lead to acquittal, a new trial, or partial reversal resulting in a materially shorter sentence,” they wrote in the motion. “The government maintains that Mr. Wilson committed ‘bribery,’ under the honest services statute by seeking to donate to college athletic programs in purported exchange for his children’s admission. While the prosecution said Wilson’s actions constituted mail or wire fraud because he sought “property” in the form of “admission slots,” his lawyers argued in the motion that “offers of admission do not bear the typical features of property, and have not historically been treated as property.” The motion also says evidence that University of Southern California officials regularly consider financial donations in the admission of athletic candidates, including as practice players and for non-athlete roles, was excluded by the court.