An apparent misappropriation of funds and fraudulent accounting was discovered at WGTS-FM 91.9, a Christian radio station affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Columbia Union College.
An apparent misappropriation of funds and fraudulent accounting was discovered at WGTS-FM 91.9, a Christian radio station affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Columbia Union College. According to college officials, an audit revealed nearly $200,000 had been written in checks to the station’s accountant over the course of three years and deposited into her personal account.
Radio station and college administration launched an investigation last October after discrepancies in year-end financial statements and altered financial information suggested fraud.
The accountant has offered her resignation and will be reported to authorities. Funds lost to theft will be covered by insurance.
“We will continue to be proactive in our commitment to a full investigation, ensuring that all monies are accounted for,” said Randal Wisbey, CUC president, in a Feb. 2 statement. “I want to assure donors that all funds will be used faithfully for the purposes for which they were [donated].”
The audit, conducted by a private firm, covered a three-year period from July 1999 through August 2002. The WGTS board has implemented a new financial oversight plan.
WGTS is a listener-supported radio station providing Christian music to the Washington, D.C., area.
