Man Charged In Scam To Become High School Student

MOUNT PLEASANT (WWJ/AP) - A 21-year-old man who played football this year at a Mount Pleasant high school has been charged with altering vital records, a misdemeanor.

James Nash told authorities that he paid someone $10 to alter his birth certificate and old school transcripts before enrolling at Mount Pleasant High School, The Morning Sun reported.

Nash signed up under an alias, 19-year-old Javier Jones. Soon after being accepted, Nash started to participate in school sanctioned athletics.

Nash played defense on the high school football team but wasn't considered a star. Under state rules, a student isn't eligible to play if he or she is 19 before Sept. 1.

The football team had to forfeit five their final five regular season games in which Nash played after the school notified the Michigan High School Athletic Association of his real age. As a result, the Oilers finished the season with a 2-7 record, rather than 4-5.

Reports say Nash, who was expelled Nov. 1, told police that he wanted to get his diploma so he could attend college.

If convicted as charged, Nash could face a $1,000 fine.

MORE: Mount Pleasant High School Says Football Player Was 21

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