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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Newport Mesa Unified board to decide whether to expel 11 students for hacking, changing grades

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Board members of the Newport Mesa Unified School District are set to vote Tuesday night on whether to expel 11 students accused of hacking into computers to change their grades.

All the students go to Corona del Mar High School. Police believe their private tutor may be tied to the scheme.

Newport Beach Police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella says authorities want to talk to the tutor, 28-year-old Timothy Lai of Irvine. 

"We have not been able to locate him since our press release went out back in December. And we're investigating information that multiple CDM High School Students have illegally accessed school computer systems for changing grades and perhaps other purposes," Manzella said.

The Newport Mesa Unified School District would not immediately comment on the matter. 

The District's School Board meets Tuesday night at 6 p.m.

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