JULY 1, 2008 -- The Middlesex District Attorney's office announced today that former OSA Director Jodie Nealley and former OSA Budget and Finance Coordinator Ray Rodriguez have been indicted for allegedly stealing a combined $1 million from the university in separate schemes. The indictment marks the next step in an ongoing story that began when Nealley was fired in November.
View the timeline below to learn more about the background behind the incident, and how it has developed since Nealley's firing.
November 9, 2007
OSA Director Nealley fired; dean alleges she embezzled $300,000 Nealley is fired after a university audit, spurred by an anonymous tip, finds evidence that she allegedly embezzled money from the Office of Student Activities. Nealley admits to taking a portion of the money.
November 15, 2007
Dean Reitman issues statement about Nealley's firing
Dean of Student Affairs Bruce Reitman issues a formal statement about the incident, saying that Tufts is "shocked, disappointed and angered" about Nealley's alleged actions.
November 16, 2007
Nealley to mount affirmative defense if taken to court Nealley's lawyer, Howard Lewis, tells the Daily that Nealley plans to plead not guilty if she is taken to court for her alleged embezzlement. "Once this plays out, I think you'll see that there's a reason how this could have happened," he said at the time.
November 19, 2007
TSR, TCU Senate have evidence suggesting Nealley took funds In conversations with student leaders, the Daily explores how Nealley allegedly used her position of power -- and the accompanying lack of oversight -- to carry out her scheme. Notably, the investigation revealed that had apparently taken advantage of "a temporary vacuum" created when Rodriguez left voluntarily the summer before.
November 27, 2007
Student reaction to Nealley firing, allegations a mix of disappointment, optimism
Students speak out on the scandal, expressing their shock but largely remaining optimistic about the positive changes it could spur
November 28, 2007
Nealley's OSA suffered from accounting delays In conversations with the Daily, campus leaders who dealt with the OSA say the office often produced shaky paperwork and slow accounting.
December 6, 2007
Embezzlement not uncommon in higher education, despite corporate connotation The Daily looks at the relatively common occurrence of embezzlement in colleges and universities.
January 31, 2008
After Nealley, new position to oversee funding In a collaborative move between the administration and student government, Tufts announces that it will create a new position to oversee the handling of all money used by student organizations. The move is one in a series of measures implemented to prevent future cases of embezzlement.
April 28, 2008
No charges filed yet vs. Nealley The Middlesex District Attorney's office tells the Daily that it is still in the midst of an investigation and that no charges have yet been filed in the embezzlement case.
