Former NCCU employee charged with embezzling nearly $1 million from university
A former information technology worker at N.C. Central University is accused of embezzling nearly $900,000 from the university.
Kenya M. Ward, 44, of Durham, is charged with one count of embezzlement of state property. She no longer works for NCCU, the university said Friday.
In a statement, NCCU said it had received an internal inquiry about the misappropriation of funds and conducted an investigation.
“The conclusion of this review resulted in the removal of personnel and realignment of processes,” the statement said.
Ward allegedly embezzled nearly $900,285 from the university’s bookstore and food service departments, according to an arrest warrant. She held the position of business and technology application analyst/Eagle Card office manager.
The Office of Business and Auxiliary Services oversees the bookstore, food services and Eagle Card office.
Ward was released from jail Friday on an unsecured bond of $1 million, court documents show. Unsecured bonds don’t require money be put down for someone to be released from custody.
Ward’s LinkedIn profile states she began the position at NCCU in June 2015.
The alleged crime, first reported by CBS 17, occurred from Jan. 9, 2018, to April 30, 2021, according to the arrest warrant, which was issued Aug. 23.
“The results of the internal investigation have been forwarded to the appropriate authorities for follow-up and additional action as necessary,” the university statement said. “NCCU takes seriously the role of maintaining, stewarding and managing all funds and resources under its purview and will thoroughly investigate areas of concern for swift resolve. The University also affirms its commitment to work with authorities in prosecuting individuals found culpable of misconduct to the fullest extent of the law.”
A spokeswoman for NCCU said the university had no additional comment..
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This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Former NCCU employee charged with embezzling nearly $1 million from university."
