A Florida Atlantic University professor resigned after using university
credit cards to rack up $7000 in gambling charges. According to published
reports, Associate Professor Donald Baird admitted to unauthorized use of
the cards after the FAU accounting department flagged the charges, which
initiated an investigation by school officials. Between June 28 and July 18
Baird placed bets with three offshore gambling sites (listed by the Palm
Beach Post as ECashWorld, Oscar and SB), wagering $100 to $500 at a time.
Baird was placed on administrative leave July 15, and tendered his
resignation August 18.
The credit cards Baird used are programmed only to accept authorized
purchases only, such as office and computer equipment. When unauthorized
charges, such as online gambling, are made, the card is rejected. In this
case, university officials explained, the gambling sites never sought
authorization, which means they're out $7000.
After learning that university police were investigating unauthorized
charges on FAU credit cards, Baird admitted he was the culprit. The
investigation was subsequently turned over to the state attorney's office.
"He (Baird) was very surprised to hear how very seriously we viewed this.
Stunned might be a better word," the dean over Baird's department said in an
email to the university provost.
While no charges have been filed yet, the university has recommended
"leniency and compassion" considering Baird's medical condition. The
professor suffers from Parkinson's disease, which requires that he take
heavy medication that may impair his judgement.