Ex-consultant pleads guilty in ticket scheme

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A former consultant to the University of Kansas was aware that his wife, who ran the school's ticket office, was setting aside large amounts of season tickets and split the proceeds of their illegal sale with her, prosecutors said Friday.

Thomas Blubaugh, 46, of Medford, Okla., pleaded guilty Friday to a single count of conspiracy involving wire fraud, transportation of stolen goods and tax evasion for his role in a $2 million ticket scalping scandal at the school that ensnared seven people. He also agreed to help repay what was stolen.

His wife, Charlette, who was associate athletics director in charge of the ticket office, pleaded guilty to conspiracy a day earlier.

The Blubaughs were both set for sentencing on April 14. They face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, although they are likely to get far less time under federal sentencing guidelines.