Florida A&M’s Athletic Director Arrested Over Alleged $24K Theft From Previous Job

Angela Suggs, the athletic director at Florida A&M University (FAMU), has turned herself in to police over allegations of embezzling over $24,000 from her former employer, the Florida Sports Foundation. The charges include felony grand theft and a scheme to defraud, along with four misdemeanors related to false claims on travel vouchers. Suggs, who was hired by FAMU around the same time the investigation was launched, is accused of using corporate credit cards for personal use, making unauthorized financial transactions, and falsifying travel vouchers to claim expenses as meals or accidents.

The investigation was initiated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement following a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Inspector General. The audit of Suggs’ business credit-card purchases revealed discrepancies, prompting the criminal referral. Suggs, 55, had been the CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation for seven years before joining FAMU. While the allegations are unrelated to her current duties at FAMU, the university has stated it will monitor the situation and respond as appropriate.

FAMU’s interim president, Timothy Beard, addressed the matter in a statement to WTXL, acknowledging the university’s awareness of the allegations against Suggs. Despite the scrutiny, Suggs has already made a significant hire in her new role, bringing in former NBA player Charlie Ward as the school’s new head basketball coach. Ward is aiming to lead the Rattlers back to the NCAA Tournament, a goal they have not achieved in nearly two decades.

The alleged misconduct of Suggs has sparked concerns about financial accountability in collegiate athletics and raises questions about the oversight of individuals in prominent positions. While the case is currently under investigation, the potential financial impact on the Florida Sports Foundation and FAMU remains under consideration. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months as Suggs awaits trial.