The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has initiated a new investigation into “possible employee fraud and misconduct” at FAMU, according to the Associated Press.FDLE officials informed FAMU Board of Trustees Chairman Solomon L. Badger and State University System of Florida Chancellor Frank Brogan about the probe on Tuesday. The letters did not provide specific details about the potential violations of law, but said they were discovered during the course of the investigation into the November 19 death of drum major Robert D. Champion.
"I didn't know anything about the fraud and I still don't," Badger told reporters.
The FDLE says it is looking at actions by certain FAMU personnel and “persons associated” with the school. The new investigation will be separate from the current one on Champion's death.
The Tallahassee Democrat has reported that "high-ranking sources" in the Florida governor's office stated that the probe is "into suspected fraud involving the finances" of the Marching 100.
Last week, FAMU halted all disciplinary penalties in connection to the Champion incident at the request of the FDLE. This led FAMU to place former Director of Bands Julian White on paid leave on an indefinite basis rather than moving forward with plans to let his termination go into effect on December 22, as originally scheduled.
Badger has promised FAMU’s continued full cooperation with FDLE officials.