STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — Three people have been indicted in an alleged scheme involving approximately $20 million in theft from the now-defunct Eastern Gateway Community College, according to Auditor of State Keith Faber.
The Jefferson County grand jury indicted Michael Perik, Nicole Rowe Colclasure and Michael Geoghegan on felony charges related to an alleged scheme involving federal financial aid and state subsidies. The indictment was filed Thursday in Jefferson County Common Pleas Court. Perik and Colclasure each face 12 felony counts, while Geoghegan faces nine.
The charges against Perik and Colclasure include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities, aggravated theft of $1.5 million or more, theft in office, telecommunications fraud, bribery, money laundering and other alleged offenses. Geoghegan faces charges including corrupt activities, aggravated theft, theft in office, telecommunications fraud and bribery.
According to the indictment, companies associated with Perik and Colclasure allegedly exercised improper control over key college operations, including enrollment, attendance verification, fees and access to financial aid. Investigators allege financial aid was distributed to ineligible students and payments were made to entities owned or controlled by Perik and Colclasure. The indictment also alleges Geoghegan knew about the scheme but approved the disbursements.
The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
