UF Foundation administrator accused of taking $700,000
The chief financial officer was fired Tuesday after 15 years with the foundation. He makes a court appearance today.
By Associated Press
Published September 17, 2003
GAINESVILLE - The chief financial officer for the University of Florida Foundation was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing nearly $700,000 in foundation operating funds.
Kenneth E. Hillier, 56, was being held in the Alachua County Jail pending a court appearance today. There was no immediate information on his legal representation.
The foundation is UF's private, nonprofit fundraising arm and manages all private gifts to UF. Hillier, of Jacksonville, was a 15-year employee of the foundation. He was fired Tuesday.
University of Florida police said Hillier took foundation money over an 11-month period, writing himself four large checks. An employee noticed one of the checks and notified administrators, who contacted university police. After questioning, Hillier was arrested and taken to jail, said Chris Brazda, a spokesman for the foundation.
Brazda said it appeared Hillier made it look like the checks were being issued for a specific purpose to mask the transactions.
"UFF is taking immediate action to secure its funds and to ensure that this does not happen again," said Paul Robell, vice president for development and alumni affairs. He said the foundation has insurance to cover the losses if the money can't be recovered.
"Let me assure all supporters of the University of Florida that their donations are safe and every effort is being made to recover the missing money," said UF president Charles Young. "The missing funds are not used for scholarships, professorships and other donor-intended purposes."
