Scott Richards '12 - CE Criminal Justice

Scott Richards '12 had a laser focus once he decided to pursue a career with Homeland Security Investigations, formerly known as U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).   He served in the Coast Guard right after high school, but ultimately was inspired by an ICE special agent he met on the job.

"It definitely piqued my interest into federal law enforcement."

Soon thereafter Scott decided to pursue a degree.  He sought out an accelerated evening program and discovered Curry College.

Six months after enrolling in Curry's Criminal Justice program through the Division of Continuing and Graduate Studies, Scott was accepted into a paid internship program with ICE - replacing his day job as a landscaper.

Scott assisted agents in the cybercrime group in Boston for the first six months of his internship. There, he supported the team of a highly publicized investigation and subsequent breaking up of a child porn ring that spanned across the globe. Forensic deconstructions and searches through computer hard drives led to local prosecutions and the rescue of over 175 children in the United States and Europe.

"It was definitely rewarding to be a part of that team ...everyone came together to get the job done. It was pretty remarkable," says Scott.

After completing his internship and earning his bachelor's degree with a major in criminal justice, Scott advanced onto ICE Academy training to become a special agent. As of 2013, he has since been hired as a special agent for Homeland Security Investigations with the Narcotics group.

"It's non-stop, but I couldn't ask for anything more.  I like giving back and helping out. I'm thankful that Curry gave me the opportunity to do so."

Scott says he was impressed with Curry College the moment he stepped on campus.

"I remember setting up an initial appointment with my advisor Debbie Clifford.  The second I walked in the door she was so helpful. The program was exactly what I was looking for, and tailored to someone like me."

Scott went on to say that the faculty and staff helped "make things happen" for him.

"I owe a lot to my Professor - I went to him and told him about my goals, and he guided me through the internship process and also helped me land an interview. Words can't describe the appreciation I have for how he helped get my career started."