AU scandal: Staffer embezzled hundreds of thousands, indictment alleges

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A grand jury indictment accuses a former Augusta University Dental College of Georgia coordinator of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

We combed through pages of payments in the indictment against Dawn Nichole Gantt, which show payments to Airbnb, Carpet Warehouse, Verizon, the Optavia weight-loss system, Nordictrack.com, Hidden Creek HOA, VRBO, Dooney and Burke and multiple payments to Louis Vuitton, totaling close to $10,000, and multiple payments to Delta Air Lines.

The indictment also shows where she made payments to furniture and appliance stores along with several months of payments to more than one car company.

In total, the indictment shows that through her racketeering activity, Gantt acquired and maintained approximately $305,359.54 in personal property.

READ THE INDICTMENT AND ARREST WARRANT:

The indictment says Gantt was hired in July of 2015 as the dean’s office coordinator.

In her role, Gantt maintained sole control over an account and all transaction cards, and checks associated with an account that’s used as the dean’s discretionary fund.

The fund is used to support college faculty, residents, staff and student development by covering the cost of leadership programs, retreats, travel, annual events and related expenditures, according to court records.

The indictment alleges that Gantt on and between Feb. 16, 2016, and Oct. 6, 2023, did unlawfully through a pattern of racketeering activity, acquire and maintain, directly or indirectly, an interest and control of personal property, contrary to the laws of the state of Georgia.

During the time period covered by the indictment, Gantt is accused of engaging in a scheme to acquire and maintain an interest and control of personal property by using the account to complete unauthorized transactions for the personal benefit of herself and others.

Augusta University says, in a statement to News 12 26,

“Last year, Augusta University concluded a months-long internal investigation of inappropriate disbursements from a dental practice plan bank account that supported the Dental College of Georgia dean’s office. The disbursements were improperly appropriated by an employee in the office who admitted the wrongdoing and who was subsequently terminated from employment. The university’s internal investigation identified gaps in financial oversight processes, and corrective steps have been taken to prevent such actions in the future. The Augusta University Police Department coordinated with and provided investigative assistance to the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Georgia, as the case proceeds under the state’s jurisdiction.”

The grand jury indictment was issued April 16, according to court records.

Gantt is expected to be arraigned May 3 at 9 a.m.

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