barbara mcquaid is the u.s.>> the scheme worked like this. he would submit fraudulent invoices for school supplies. the principals would approve those invoices and he would provide some but not all of the goods that he promised to sell in exchange for approving these fraudulent invoices. norman shy paid bribes to principals. >> reporter: she called the case a real punch in the government. >> the bribes were paid in the forms of cash, gift cards, and checks, sometimes to third parties. or, business -- businesses only by the principals. >> an amazing school in detroit that is getting national attention right now. >> last month, ellen degeneres announced $500,000 donations to spruce up spain, elementary and middle school where ronald alexander is the principal. >> i'm any with the amazing man, principal of spain elementary school, mr. alexander. say hello to ellen. >> hello, ellen. >> reporter: alexander is one of the principals facing charges. alexander allegedly pocketed $23,000 in kickbacks from the vendors, sco