NC State professor accused of embezzling from student groups
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- NC State University Police have charged a former associate professor with embezzling $65,000 from three student organizations.
Charles (Scott) Whisnant, 57, was arrested Wednesday when he turned himself in at the Wake County Magistrates' office.
NC State said he resigned from his position in the Animal Sciences department the day before.
According to investigators, Whisnant took the money from three registered student organizations' bank accounts.
Discrepancies in the Animal Science Club's bank statements, identified by the club's student treasurer, were reported to the university's office of internal audit in January.
The investigation then expanded to two other student organizations that Whisnant also advised, Alpha Zeta Agriculture Honors Fraternity (co-ed), the agriculture honors society, and the Agri-Life Council, an umbrella organization of recognized student groups in the College of Agriculture of Life Sciences.
Whisnant's attorney Christian Dysart told the judge in court Thursday his client had already paid back some of the stolen money.
"Obviously I'm doing nothing on the record here today to indicate guilt or innocence," he said. "That can be decided at a later time."
Dysart went on to explain while prosecutors allege more than $73,000 was stolen from the various student groups, not as much was missing now.
"I'm not sure that figure yet reflects that a significant repayment of restitution was made on Thursday of last week," said Dysart.
Wake County District Court Judge Keith Gregory said Whisnant, arrested on a $50,000 bond, qualified for pre-trial release. He ordered Whisnant be placed on electronic house arrest until trial.
Whisnant is due back in court March 3.
