Prof allegedly stole $1.2 million from Florida State University
Rodin had been put on leave after the university discovered accounting mishaps with the Seminole Production.
Former FSU professor Mark Rodin allegedly redirected university funds from a sports marketing company into his own bank account.
Former Florida State University College of Communication and Information and director of the school’s Seminole Productions Mark Rodin faces charges of stealing $1.2 million from the public university.
FSU placed Rodin on administrative leave in July 2019 after it found inaccuracies in the accounting reports of the Seminole Production, which is the media production arm of the school’s College of Communication and Information. Rodin resigned from FSU in September 2019.
The Florida State University Police Department issued a warrant for Rodin’s arrest after the university found errors in its financial records. Rodin has since turned himself into local authorities.
Rodin, who was put in charge of a $6 million Seminole Productions facility upgrade, allegedly transferred money to his privately-owned bank account from IMG - a sports marketing company that works alongside the university’s athletic department. Seminole Productions is responsible for the media production of Florida State Athletics.
Vice President for Finance and Administration Kyle Clark told WCTV that “Mr. Rodin arranged a production deal with IMG directly. The work was carried out on university time with university facilities and materials, but the funds illegally went directly to him, which, in addition to being illegal is also a violation of university policy.”
[RELATED: Prof SENTENCED for defrauding taxpayers]
Rodin is being charged with one count of fraud and 24 counts of grand theft.
Rodin’s attorney, Tim Jansen, told the Tallahassee Democrat, “Mr. Rodin had authorization to collect consulting fees regarding his work with Seminole Productions,” Jansen said. “He categorically denies the criminal allegations and looks forward to clearing his name.”
Follow the author of this article on Twitter: @KestecherLacey
