News Summary
Angela Suggs, the athletics director for Florida A&M University, has been arrested on multiple felony charges after a lengthy investigation revealed financial misconduct involving a nonprofit credit card. Accused of misusing a business credit card for personal expenses exceeding $24,000, Suggs faces serious charges including grand theft and false claims on travel vouchers. FAMU officials have placed her on paid administrative leave as the university monitors the situation closely and ensures the integrity of its athletics program.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Angela Suggs, the 55-year-old athletics director for Florida A&M University (FAMU), was arrested on multiple felony charges on Monday. The arrest came after a thorough investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which lasted several months and unveiled significant financial misconduct involving a nonprofit credit card.
According to reports, Suggs is accused of misusing a business credit card, amassing charges that exceed $24,000. She voluntarily surrendered to authorities at the Leon County Detention Facility. The investigation began in November 2024, two months following her appointment as FAMU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics.
The allegations against Suggs specifically relate to her previous position as president and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF). The charges suggest that she misappropriated FSF-issued credit cards for personal expenses. The charges filed against her include one felony count of grand theft, one felony count of scheme to defraud, and four misdemeanor counts of false claims on travel vouchers.
FDLE’s findings indicate that Suggs used the business credit card for personal purchases, which included gambling expenses incurred during business trips. Reports suggest that she submitted falsified travel vouchers, misclassifying unauthorized charges as business meals and improperly asserting that some expenses were related to work duties or were mistakenly charged. As of now, Suggs has not fully reimbursed the FSF for the unauthorized expenditures.
The situation has drawn attention from FAMU officials. Interim President Timothy Beard acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but clarified that they are unrelated to Suggs’ current responsibilities at the university. In light of the criminal charges, Suggs has been placed on paid administrative leave while the university manages operations within its athletics department through deputy directors.
Suggs’ bond was set at $13,500, and she was released from custody later in the day on Monday. The FDLE has indicated that the investigation remains active, suggesting that additional inquiries or legal actions could unfold as the case develops. Suggs has retained defense attorney Richard Smith, who has opted not to comment on the ongoing case at this time.
Florida A&M University is continuing to monitor the situation closely. The university has made it clear that they are fully committed to maintaining the integrity of their athletics program, and they are taking appropriate steps to manage current operations in light of Suggs’ legal troubles.
As this story unfolds, stakeholders within FAMU and the wider community will be closely watching the developments regarding Angela Suggs and the implications of the charges against her. The university is maintaining a focus on ensuring effective governance during this challenging time.
This incident raises critical questions about financial oversight and ethical conduct within nonprofit organizations, especially those associated with educational institutions. As investigations continue, further details are anticipated that may shed light on the broader implications of Suggs’ alleged mismanagement and the operational standards at the Florida Sports Foundation and FAMU.
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Additional Resources
- FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Class
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- FAMU AD Angela Suggs Accused of Stealing $24K
- FAMU Board of Trustees to Discuss Budget and Other Items
- Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
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