Tufts fires student activity director accused of embezzling at least $300K
By Linda K. Wertheimer, Globe Staff
Tufts University's director of student activities, an 11-year employee of the college, has been fired in the wake of accusations that she embezzled an estimated $300,000 from the university, a Tufts official said today.
Confronted with the allegations, Jodie Nealley admitted to Tufts officials last week that she took at least a portion of the money, university officials said. The allegations stunned the officials as well as student leaders, who were told of Nealley's firing late Wednesday afternoon. Nealley was an incredible mentor, student leaders said.
"We are shocked, disappointed, and angered by Ms. Nealley's actions. She breached the trust that all of us at Tufts had placed in her," Tufts dean Bruce Reitman said in a statement.
Tufts officials, who are investigating to determine the exact time period and the amount of money involved, said they have referred the case to the Middlesex County district's attorney office because they also consider it a criminal matter.
A confidential tip to a hotline run by an independent company for Tufts led to scrutiny of Nealley, who was fired Friday, said Kim Thurler, a university spokeswoman.
Tufts is looking at several sources of funds that Nealley may have tapped, including student activity funds, supported by undergraduates' $258 annual activity fee, and ticket sales revenues.
Nealley could not be reached for comment on the story, which was first reported by the Tufts Daily, the student newspaper. Her attorney, Howard M. Lewis, of Framingham, said no charges have been filed.
"Ms. Nealley will be cooperative with all authorities when the time comes," Lewis said. "Once the accusations come out, there's an interesting story behind all of this that will explain a lot of actions." He would not give more details.
