The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics voted Tuesday to refer a case involving SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., for further investigation and possible criminal prosecution, according to Politico New York.
A source with knowledge of the inquiry confirmed to Politco that the case involves David Smith, MD, the former president of SUNY Upstate.
Dr. Smith became president of SUNY Upstate in 2006. He resigned in November 2013, in light of allegations that he padded his pay with income from two affiliated companies.
An audit conducted by SUNY in 2015 discovered "questionable or inappropriate" expenditures made while Dr. Smith was still president. According to the audit, funds from an Upstate medical school fund were used to pay some of Dr. Smith's household expenses and to set up deferred compensation plans for Dr. Smith and other Upstate officials.
Dr. Smith has denied any wrongdoing, and he has not been charged with any crimes related to the accusations.
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