Tallahassee, FL – June 9, 2025 – Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletics Director and Vice President, Angela Suggs, 55, turned herself in at Leon County Jail Monday, facing charges of grand theft, fraud, and false claims connected to her previous role as CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF)
Allegations & Charges
Felony counts:
- Grand Theft (over $20,000)
- Scheme to Defraud
Misdemeanor counts:
- Four counts of submitting false travel‑vouchers espn.com+6apnews.com+6hbcusports.com+6
Accused misuse totals more than $24,000, including wire transfers, casino charges, and withdrawals labeled as business meals.
Timeline of the Case
Audit trigger: November 2024 – Inspector General for the Florida Department of Commerce flagged irregular expenses.
FSF misuse window: August 2022 – August 2024, with 23 questionable expense instances totaling roughly $23,205.56.
Booking & bond: Suggs was booked June 9 and released on a $13,500 bond
Details from the Probable Cause Affidavit
Casino expenses spotlighted include:
- ≈ $650 at Resorts World Las Vegas, coded as meals
- Multiple transactions at Seminole Hard Rock and Potawatomi Bingo, ranging $431 – $1,619 per visit
- Suggs allegedly these expenses as meals and never fully reimbursed the FSF.
Official Responses
Suggs: Released a statement emphasizing the charges are “entirely unrelated” to FAMU, promising to fight them, and expressing regret for the distraction.
FAMU (Interim President Timothy Beard): Acknowledged the situation, placing Suggs on paid administrative leave, and said operations will proceed under deputy ADs Travis Glasgow and Brittney Johnson
Broader Context
Suggs, hired in October 2024, notably brought former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward onboard as FAMU men’s basketball coach. This development has drawn added attention given the timing.
FAMU alums and stakeholders are closely watching fallout amid concerns that this could further impact the university’s reputation and leadership decisions.
What Comes Next?
FDLE investigation: Ongoing since November 2024 with criminal referral from the Commerce IG.
Legal proceedings: Expect arraignment and pre‑trial hearings. No attorney yet listed in records.
FAMU’s role: Athletics operations continue under interim leadership; university is prepared to act depending on legal outcomes.
Why This Matters
Leadership accountability: Reflects on hiring practices and vetting in major HBCUs.
Financial stewardship: Highlights oversight in non‑profit and university finance roles.
Community trust: Raised concerns among alumni and donors already sensitive to FAMU’s governance.
