Billy Zane's Parents Accused Of Cheating Students After They Closed Down Medical School

December 1, 2008 6:41 a.m. EST

Chicago, IL (CNS) - Actor Billy Zane's parents have been accused of ripping off students after they shut down a medical college without warning, taking $30,000 in tuition fees.

William and Thalia Zane allegedly closed down Chicago's Medical Careers Institute and disappeared after collecting money for the upcoming semester. Several of the around 60 students tried to track the couple down, but they were informed that they had moved back to Greece.

In late October, the 31-year-old school, owned by the couple, suddenly closed down. The students were left with no diploma, untransferable credits and unpaid student loans.

Student Valier Ramirez told the National Enquirer, "It was a huge shock for everyone. I showed up for class one day and there was an angry mob of students trying to figure out what happened."

"William and Thalia disappeared with our money. I lost $4,000, not to mention the six months of training I have no credit for - and they gave us no explanation whatsoever."

The school's attorney, Arthur Evans, simply said that the school "went out of business. There are businesses closing every day now."

The Illinois Board of Education and attorney general's office are now investigating the matter.