The Charlotte Observer

Feb. 14, 2008

 

Auditor: Official defrauds university

RALEIGH -- A high-ranking administrator at N.C. Central University stole thousands of dollars in federal research grant money, possibly to pay off personal items bought with his university credit card, according to a state audit released this week.

State Auditor Les Merritt said the assistant provost, who was not identified in the audit, also hid for three years a romantic relationship with a student -- a violation of university policy. The student also received a one-month health research grant from the administrator worth nearly $3,000, even through she never worked at the school. His report also found that a one-year, $18,700 contract for the student was blocked by another university official.

Merritt has forwarded the audit to state and federal prosecutors for a possible criminal prosecution.

Officials at N.C. Central didn't immediately return a phone call Tuesday seeking comment. In a prepared response, the university said the administrator has been relieved of his duties as assistant provost and associate vice chancellor of academic affairs.

The review concluded the administrator improperly authorized $36,041 in graduate assistant contract payments to several people, including the administrator's nephew and the nephew's girlfriend. Checks totaling $15,341 were actually cashed.

Check recipients said the assistant provost asked them to cash the checks, all worth more than $2,000. The investigation said the assistant provost asked recipients to take some of the money for themselves and give the rest to him.