Fresno, Calif. ? A former academic adviser for the Fresno State basketball team allegedly participated in the cheating scandal that has prompted an NCAA investigation, according to documents obtained by The Fresno Bee.

The newspaper reported in February that former team statistician Stephen Mintz said he wrote 17 pieces of schoolwork in correspondence courses for three former players in 2000. Mintz claimed he was paid more than $1,000 for his services — and that Katie Felten, an academic adviser to coach Jerry Tarkanian’s team, organized some of the cheating.

Felten has denied involvement in any academic fraud. But in a story published Wednesday, the Bee cited documents — including a letter from Fresno State President John Welty — that indicate the NCAA and the school believe Felten was involved. If the NCAA deems Felten was connected to any fraud, Fresno State could face harsh penalties.

Former Kansas athletic director Al Bohl was AD at Fresno State at the time of the alleged infractions.

Fresno State banned itself from the postseason this year because of the violations. The school also imposed a two-year probation and cut three scholarships from the basketball program for other violations. The NCAA’s infractions committee could impose further sanctions after hearing Fresno State’s case June 14 in Kansas City, Mo.