Former Drexel University professor Chikaodinaka Nwankpa, 57, was arrested this week and charged with theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception after stealing $185,000 in research grant money and using it at adult entertainment venues and other expenses, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Nwankpa was arrested by university police and released on a $25,000 bail. He also surrendered his passport and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 29.
District Attorney Larry Krasner said, “Mr. Nwankpa inappropriately and criminally diverted tens of thousands of dollars that were allocated for research purposes toward his own private enjoyment. He betrayed Drexel University and tuition-paying students he was paid to educate.”
As previously reported, Nwankpa’s alleged spent more than $96,000 on adult entertainment venues and sports bars as well as more than $89,000 on iTunes purchases, meals, and other unauthorized purchases.
Drexel University, which is in Philadelphia, paid $190,000 in a settlement following a separate federal investigation into the former professor’s alleged misuse of grant funds, according to a news release. Prosecutors said in October, the professor repaid $53,328 to Drexel. Nwankpa was placed on administrative leave after the investigation began and then resigned.
Drexel spokeswoman Niki Gianakaris told CNN: “Drexel takes allegations of unethical or unlawful business conduct on the part of any members of the University community very seriously. The University initially reported this situation to the US Attorney’s Office and has worked cooperatively with federal and state investigations into the matter.”
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