4 Chico State employees placed on leave following fraud investigation
Four Chico State employees have been placed on leave due to an ongoing fraud investigation, according to the University s President, Gayle Hutchinson.
Posted: Dec 23, 2020 3:38 PM
Updated: Dec 24, 2020 4:58 PM
Posted By: Deb Anderaos
CHICO, Calif. - Four Chico State employees have been placed on leave today due to an ongoing fraud investigation, according to the University s President, Gayle Hutchinson.
In a letter published by President Hutchinson on Dec. 23, an investigation uncovered numerous acts of financial and professional misconduct in Chico State s Department of Accounting. According to the investigation, these acts of fraud, abuse, and other ethical lapses occurred between 2014 and 2019, resulting in approximately $1 million of inappropriate compensation and other financial losses to the university, said Hutchinson.
Decreased enrollment, revenue and COVID-19 assistance were discussed at a town hall hosted by Chico State’s Associated Students on Dec. 2.
President Gayle Hutchinson opened the discussion by announcing that the new physical science building is set to open virtually next semester.
“The laboratories inside are second to none,” said Hutchinson. “It’s going to be a great place to conduct research, to engage in learning activities with school children and for all of our students to learn their science.”
A discussion in response to student inquiries requesting a reduction of tuition led to a financial segment led by Jaime Clyde, Executive Director of Associated Students and Mary Walmark, Director of Student Life and Leadership.