Grand jury: No indictment for ex-FSCJ president

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This final report of the Duval County grand jury filed a month ago says there just isn't anything to prove the ousted president of Florida State College at Jacksonville, Dr. Steven Wallace, broke the law.

Wallace resigned under fire last summer amid several investigations, allegations of favoritism, overspending and critical state audits.

The grand jury looked into allegations of overspending and the possibility of excessive payout on unused leave by the Wallace.

Wallace led the college 16 years. When he left it claimed he was owed $224,000 in unclaimed leave

In its presentment, the grand jury wrote: "This body does not find that a provable fraud or theft could be established."

And while the panel found nothing that rose to the level of criminal wrongdoing, "tThe taxpayers have been the true victim of this Incident."

DOCUMENT: Grand jury presentment

Asked to respond, FSCJ spokesperson Jill Johnson said, "The grand jury report was a matter between Mr. Wallace and the state of Florida. FSCJ continues to put our students first, and be a good steward of public dollars."

The report also makes some recommendations for the future, including tougher accounting measures, time sheet reform and more specific employment contracts.

Last year the board of trustees asked Wallace to repay more than have the pay he received for unpaid leave.


About the Author:

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.