The former University of Central Florida Director who resigned after UCF accused him of misusing over $30,000 of university funds could face 15 years behind bars, if criminally charged and prosecuted.
KnightNews.com broke the story about Robert Chandler, the former Nicholson School of Communication director in the College of Sciences, being pressured to resign after accusations arose of misusing travel reimbursement funds and university resources.
KnightNews.com’s legal analyst, criminal defense lawyer Lisa Figueroa, said the incident could have a number of outcomes, including Chandler being charged with scheme to defraud and spending up to 15 years in prison.
“If the State Attorney’s office chooses to prosecute along with UCF, these allegations are usually charged as a ‘Scheme to Defraud’ when the amount is $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000,” Figueroa said, adding that it’s a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Another possible charge Figueroa said the state could consider is grand theft of $20,000 or more, another second degree felony.
“Sometimes the accused is able to work out or negotiate a settlement of sorts with the victim, here UCF, to avoid litigation, though I would suspect (that’s) doubtful in this case,” according to Figueroa.
KnightNews.com reached out to the State Attorney’s Office and found out they do not currently have any files on Chandler.
According to Gene Kruckemyer, news editor for the UCF News and Information Office, UCF’s six-month investigation is still ongoing.
Keep checking on KnightNews.com for continued coverage of this story.
