Former North Dakota Phi Delt Treasurer Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Up To $50,000

El Taco7 years ago

You couldn’t keep your hand out of the cookie jar, could you, Chase?

The University of North Dakota’s Phi Delt is caught up in a tiny embezzlement scandal after the house’s former treasurer, Chase Johnson, was accused of embezzling up to $50,000.

Oh, and to make matters worse, the 23-year-old was also in charge of the student government’s $550,000 at the time of his arrest.

From cThe Grand Forks Herald:

Chase Alexander Johnson, 23, was arrested Thursday afternoon by UND Police and faces a Class B felony charge of theft. A criminal affidavit accuses Johnson of stealing between $10,000 and 50,000 from the house.
…
A release from UND Police said officers searched the fraternity house to investigate allegations that Johnson has misappropriated funds there.

First rule of being head of your fraternity’s money: Never get hooked on your own supply.

Sure, you’ll probably pull a $20 here and there for a drunken pizza purchase, potentially slip a brother a bill for a couple baggies (which I’m pretty sure makes for a self-sustaining economy) but that should maybe be a once a weekend thing max. Plus, when you’re only spending petty cash then there’s no way in hell you’re going to rack up a $10-$50K tab with the local Dominos…at least I hope not.

If you’re getting high on your own supply then when your house goes looking for party booze money and all they find are receipts with “IOU” written on them, the excuse “IOUs are as good as money” will likely not get you very far.

As for the student government’s money, that appears to be safe. The student body president says they have “at least three or four sets of eyes” on it at all times. That’s great news. Now, put it all on red. Let’s go!!!.

[via The Grand Forks Herald]