At Central State: Prosecutors Resume Investigation; Fund-Raising Drive Benefits Needy Students

WILBERFORCE, Ohio
Prosecutors will resume their investigation into whether there was any wrongdoing by former officials of Central State University, which recently emerged from years of financial troubles.

And in other news concerning the university, a fund-raising drive has collected more than $25,000 to help keep more than 50 students from being dropped from the school's enrollment.

A task force of state and local investigators will review evidence and determine whether to pursue indictments stemming from the investigation, Steve Wolaver, assistant Greene County prosecutor, told The Dayton Daily News last month.

Investigations by the state auditor's office, state inspector general, Ohio Ethics Commission, and State Highway patrol found "examples of incompetence and negligence" at Central State, Wolaver said. "But whether that translates into criminal conduct remains to be seen."

The state Office of Budget and Management took over the finances of Ohio's only public, historically Black university in 1997, and a new administration was later installed.

Prosecutors put their probe on hold pending the outcome of a final special state audit, which was released last month. The audit found discrepancies in the books, unauthorized payments, and lack of financial oversight between 1995 and 1997 at the school.

State Auditor James Petro said the audit contained no evidence of serious criminal wrongdoing and dealt with mostly old and outdated practices. Petro and other state officials have praised the university's current trustees and president, John Garland, for correcting problems at the school.

As for the fund-raising drive: "The response has been phenomenal," said Tedd Miller, vice president for enrollment management at the university.

The effort -- which was organized by the Rev. Earl Harris, senior pastor of Greater Allen AME Church -- has attracted $11,587 from area churches, $2,750 from business and labor organizations, $2,050 from community organizations, and $8,870 from individual contributions independent of the church appeals, Harris said. The pastor adds that he is confident organizers will reach their goal of $55,000.