FAMU: Indictment sends 'strong message'

FEBRUARY 22, 2008

In response to yesterday's indictment of a former FAMU official, the university issued a statement last night saying "it is important that individuals are held accountable for their actions." As reported yesterday by The Gradebook (see post here), Patricia Walker McGill, the former director of FAMU's Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce, was indicted by a federal grand jury on theft and fraud charges and faces up to 350 years in prison.

"As we continue our efforts in restoring the public confidence in our ability to manage our fiscal affairs, this indictment sends a strong message that such behavior will not to tolerated," said the statement from FAMU spokeswoman Sharon Saunders. The statement said FAMU worked closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office on the case.

Former FAMU interim president Castell Bryant fired McGill in 2005, which prompted this lawsuit, set for trial in May. McGill offered her side of the story in this St. Petersburg Times piece.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Posted by Times Editor at 11:45:00 am on February 22, 2008 in

Florida A&M

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com.

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