June 02, 2010
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News: RPI Employee Arrested For Fraud
While school districts, city, and other government agencies review the issuing of agency credit cards to employees and the rules and procedures governing their use, another school discovers fraud. The Albany Times reports that the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has become the latest known agency that has become the victim of employee theft. According to the report, a former employee who left the school near the end of the year 2009, stole tens of thousands of dollars from the school. Christine Dickson allegedly used RPI's credit card for personal transactions. Dickson joins a long list of former employees of government and non-for-profit organizations that have abused their positions and the agencies trust by using agency credit cards to walk away with millions.
According to court documents, Dickson's supervisor at RPI discovered the credit card theft during a routine examination. At that time, it was revealed that Dickson had charged over $100,000 against the schools credit card. The charges occurred over several years. The school immediately notified the authorities and a warrant was issued for Dickson. When hearing of the charges, Dickson turned herself into police. Sgt. Terry Buchanan said she was charged with second degree grand larceny with covers theft between $50,000 to $1 million.
When the school was contacted for a comment regarding the credit card fraud, Mark Marchand, head of the school's Media Communications Office, said RPI's policy is to not comment on personnel issues. However, he said the school is aware of the arrest and the school will continue to cooperate with the authorities as always. Dickson was charged according to the governing statute which classifies the theft as a Class C felony. She faces up to five years in prison, fines, and restitution. The case will be heard in the Troy City Court as stated by the Rensselaer County District Attorney Richard McNally. Dickson is expected to appear before the judge on June 14, 2010.