The Massachusetts Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against the former president of Westfield State University Evan Dobelle
A complaint filed in state court in Boston Thursday by Massachusetts Atty. Gen. Martha Coakley accuses Dobelle of spending up to $100,000 in school funds on personals purchases, trips, and meals at high end restaurants.
The suit alleges he violated state laws and university policies by knowingly submitting false claims to Westfield State for personal expenses totaling $59,000.
The complaint alleges Dobelle received $39,000 for travel he falsely claimed was for official university business.
Dobelle is anxious to refute allegations that he spent up to $100,000 of school funds on personal purchases and vacations with family and friends, according to attorney Ross Garber.
" At all times Evan Dobelle acted in the best interests of Westfield State University. He looks forward to the whole truth coming out and to reclaiming his reputation."
The suit seeks unspecified damages, civil penalties, investigative costs and attorney’s fees.
The suit comes just one week after the Massachusetts Inspector General issued a scathing report that detailed dozens of examples of Dobelle using university funds for personal purposes. Inspector General Glenn Cunha, in an interview, described Dobelle's behavior as " outrageous."
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