When Adam B. Wheeler applied to Harvard University with a perfect record from Phillips Academy, it was just too good to be true.

According to a press release from the Middlesex District Attorney, Wheeler has been arraigned on 20 offenses involving larceny, identity fraud, falsifying an endorsement and pretending to hold a degree. One of the falsifications was a transcript from Phillips Academy on which he claimed nearly perfect grades.

However, the press release stated, Wheeler...