University of Missouri officials have initiated an internal audit and a criminal investigation regarding alleged financial mismanagement that led to the termination Friday of a staff member in the College of Engineering.
Last week, a tip was reported to the UM System Office of Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services. Following a preliminary investigation, Brandon Guffey, the director of financial services for the College of Engineering, was terminated.
Both the internal audit and a criminal investigation from the MU Police Department continue as the finances and practices of the College of Engineering, as well as other areas of campus, are reviewed. During this process, individuals with access to relevant system information may be placed on administrative leave or have job responsibilities changed temporarily to help ensure an appropriate investigation. At least one other individual has been placed on leave at this time.
Anyone with information about these investigations is encouraged to call any of the following numbers:
- MUPD Detective Ross Turley: 573-882-4495
- UM Investigator Shawn Hogan: 573-882-1164
- Anonymous reports regarding this matter or other concerns can be made to the UM Integrity & Accountability Hotline: 1-866-447-9821
"We are very appreciative of the individual who came forward earlier to share suspicions of financial mismanagement," said Michelle Piranio, chief audit and compliance officer for the University of Missouri. "We continue to work with the MUPD and appreciate all the cooperation and additional information that is being sent to our office. It is important that we do everything necessary to ensure the university's resources are protected and are being used to forward our missions of education, teaching, research and outreach."
