Angela Suggs, the athletic director at Florida A&M University, was arrested Monday on charges of fraud and theft. The allegations stem from her time as CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation.
Details of the Allegations
According to a statement from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE):
- Suggs, 55, used a corporate credit card for personal expenses totaling more than $24,000.
- She allegedly made wire transfers and cash withdrawals during business trips to Las Vegas and other locations.
Legal Proceedings
- Suggs turned herself in at the Leon County Jail and was released on a $13,500 bond.
- She faces two felony charges: grand theft and scheme to defraud.
- Additionally, she is charged with four misdemeanor counts of false claims on travel vouchers.
Investigation Background
An investigation by the FDLE began last November after receiving a referral from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Inspector General. An audit revealed that Suggs:
- Falsified travel vouchers by coding unauthorized charges as meals.
- During questioning in 2022, she claimed some unauthorized charges were for business meals, while others were accidentally charged to her business card. However, she failed to repay the Florida Sports Foundation for her personal expenditures.
University Response
The university’s interim president, Timothy Beard, released a statement regarding the situation:
"While this matter is unrelated to her duties as an employee at FAMU, we will monitor this situation and respond in future as appropriate."
Historical Context
In April 1993, Charlie Ward was hired as the men’s basketball coach at FAMU.
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