Warrant: NCSU professor embezzled money to pay student's bills
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Pity for a college student may have played a role in a $72,000 embezzlement case at N.C. State.
Former NCSU professor Scott Whisnant claims he took pity on a student with big medical expenses. A search warrant with new information in the case was filed this week at the Wake County Justice Center.
The search warrant revealed that Dr. Whisnant said he was giving tens of thousands of dollars to a student with medical problems. That money was deposited directly into that student's personal account.
Whisnant told investigators that he felt bad for the student with medical issues, and the money was to help pay her bills.
"That's kind of odd," said NCSU student Bradney Tart. "It still doesn't make it right, though."
Tart said while he didn't know Whisnant, he certainly knows about him.
"I heard that he was, like, a good teacher, a good mentor...just a nice guy," Tart explained.
That's why so many were shocked when the professor was arrested and hauled in front of a judge earlier this month.
Read more: NC State professor accused of embezzling from student groups
Investigators said the $72,000 was stolen from student agriculture clubs that Whisnant advised. But, while most accused of embezzlement are said to have used the money for a more lavish lifestyle, Whisnant claims to have helped someone in need.
"It would be worse if he was using it for him, but being he's trying to help, it's kind of like Robin Hood," Tart said.
Whisnant's attorney declined to comment specifically about the information in the search warrant, but he did comment on Whisnant's character.
"Dr. Whisnant worked at NCSU for 18 years and I think he was beloved by his students," Christian Dysart said. "I can tell you that in my conversations with Dr. Whisnant, I find him to be a generous and kind and caring individual."
The search warrant also revealed there may be evidence that Whisnant tried to transfer money back in the student club accounts from his retirement account.
