on behalf of his dog, citing child care responsibilities and other requisite experience. Almeda initially granted the dog a "life experience" associate degree in childhood development based on the false and erroneous claims. Almeda later proclaimed in public response that the reporter perjured himself by creating a false identity. In 2006 a Naples, Florida police officer was forced to return a salary increase based on an Almeda degree. Two other Naples police officers were temporarily terminated when an investigation showed that they received diplomas from Almeda. Both officers appealed the ruling, stating they had spoken to department administrators before submitting the credentials needed to verify that they qualified for the incentive program. In October 2006, both officers were reinstated with back pay, but both received 10-day suspensions and were required to take an ethics course. Similarly, in 2009, eight Washington state troopers who obtained degrees from Almeda had to relinquish educational incentive pay but avoided recrimination as prosecutors could not establish criminal intent. Also in 2009, the Sacramento Bee reported that one or more Sacramento city firefighters have had their raises revoked after obtaining degrees from Almeda. See also List of unaccredited institutions of higher education List of unrecognized higher education accreditation organizations Diploma mill List of animals with fraudulent diplomas Axact References External links Official website Unaccredited institutions of higher learning in the United States Former for-profit universities and colleges in the United States Distance education institutions based in the United States Educational institutions established in 1997 1997 establishments in Saint Kitts and Nevis