By Michael Kennedy

Former University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development Dean Robert Felner pled guilty to nine charges in federal court today, agreeing to serve more than five years in prison.

Felner was charged with mail fraud, money laundering, conspiring to impede and impair the Internal Revenue Service and six counts of tax evasion. All told, Felner was facing a maximum of 75 years in prison and $2,250,000 in fines. Under the terms of the plea, Felner is expected to serve 63 months in prison, without the possibility of parole. The plea must still be accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Simpson III, who is presiding over the case. Sentencing is scheduled for April 16. If Simpson does not accept the plea agreement, Felner may change his plea to “not guilty,” and continue with the case.

Mark Hebert, University of Louisville spokesman, described Felner as “a very talented man, a very smart man, who just blew it.”

Felner’s attorney, Scott Cox, said the guilty plea reduces the risk of jail time significantly, and admitted the U.S. has a strong case against Felner for tax evasion.

As part of the deal, Felner will pay U of L $510,000 as restitution for a No Child Left Behind grant he is accused of embezzling. He will also pay the University of Rhode Island, a former employer, $1,646,972 and the Rock Island County Council of Addiction $88,750.

“[Felner] stole money that should have been used to educate the kids,” said Hebert.

Felner’s alleged co-conspirator, Thomas Schroeder, has pled “not guilty.” His trial was set to begin Feb. 1, although that date has been changed. Felner is not required to cooperate with the prosecution in Schroeder’s case.

The $2,250,000 fine was not discussed in the plea agreement, and the judge could still impose it on Felner, after reviewing Felner’s financial soundness. As part of the plea, the government will seize funds in Felner’s bank accounts, along with a property in Florida and a property in Illinois.

Felner will remain at large until sentencing, as part of his bail agreement.

“[Felner] wanted to put this behind him,” said Cox. “He’d like to be sentenced as quickly as possible.”