Washington County prosecutors are investigating four issues related to multimillion-dollar deficits in the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Division of University Advancement.
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Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Bercaw of Fayetteville has said his office will release its report on whether it will file any criminal charges before Christmas. But the report also could come as early as this week.
Here are the matters under investigation:
One duplicate expense payment to Brad Choate, former vice chancellor for Advancement, for $2,052. Choate repaid it.
An improper deposit by former budget officer Joy Sharp of $1.35 million in restricted funds into an unrestricted spending account that was running low.
Two “accounts receivables” entries by university treasurer Jean Schook’s office that “partially obscured” deficits, according to the audit.
Contradictory testimony under oath by Chancellor G. David Gearhart and former university spokesman John Diamond at a Sept. 13 Legislative Joint Auditing Committee hearing. Diamond told legislators that Gearhart ordered Advancement Division officials to “get rid” of records at a Jan. 14 meeting. Gearhart responded that he had never ordered anyone to destroy documents and described Diamond, who was fired Aug. 23, as a “disgruntled” employee.
Front Section, Pages 10 on 12/08/2013