The University of Southern California is probing allegations that Wal-Mart heiress Elizabeth Paige Laurie cheated her way through school, according to a local TV station.

KSDK-TV said Monday the inquiry came three days after ABC newsmagazine "20/20" cited Laurie, who graduated from USC, during a segment on cheating in college.

The "20/20" report was based on an interview with Laurie's freshman roommate, Elena Martinez, who said Laurie paid her about $20,000 over 3 1/2 years to write papers and complete other assignments.

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