The Latest: Parent charged in college case to fight charges

Published Mar. 29, 2019 1:48 p.m. ET

BOSTON (AP) — The Latest on court appearances for parents charged in a widespread college admissions scheme (all times local):

1:45 p.m.

A lawyer for a parent charged in a widespread college admissions scheme says the case against his client is not strong.

Former casino executive Gamal Abdelaziz was the first to appear before a federal magistrate judge in Boston on Friday. Fifteen parents were scheduled for initial appearances.

Abdelaziz is the former president of Wynn Macau and has also held leadership roles at Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts.

He didn't make a statement in court, but defense lawyer Brian Kelly said his client intends to fight the charges.

Kelly requested permission for Abdelaziz to travel to Mexico on business next month. He says "this is a one-witness case" that relies on a "deeply compromised" witness.

Abdelaziz is among 33 prominent parents charged in what authorities have called the biggest college admissions scam ever prosecuted.