Florida A&M University’s athletic director is in hot water, arrested on Monday for stealing $24,000 from her former employer. Angela Suggs voluntarily turned herself in to police, was booked at the Leon County Jail, and was later released on $13,500 bond.
Suggs previously served as CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation, a non-profit that promotes and develops sports at all levels in the state. It was in that role that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said she spent company money at casinos. It is unclear if Suggs gambled with the money, as the transactions were just called “personal purchases.” If one had to guess, it probably wasn’t gambling, as that is something that likely would have been specified.
Suggs also used her company credit card to make cash withdrawals and wire transfers.
The FDLE began its investigation in November 2024 after the Florida Department of Commerce’s Inspector General audited Suggs’ purchases with her business credit card and the subsequent travel reimbursements.
created fake travel expenses, coding the charges to the card as meals
To try to hide the more than $24,000 in spending, Suggs created fake travel expenses, coding the charges to the card as meals. When questioned, Suggs said some of the charges were legitimately for meals, while some were mistakes.
Suggs has been charged with one felony count of grand theft, one felony count of scheme to defraud, and four misdemeanor counts of false claims on travel vouchers.
Angela Suggs is still employed by the university, but is on paid administrative leave.
“While the matter is unrelated to her duties as an employee at FAMU, we are monitoring the situation and will respond in the future as appropriate,” said Florida A&M Interim President Timothy Beard.
