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AU scandal: Former staffer embezzled hundreds of thousands, indictment alleges

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AU scandal: Former staffer embezzled hundreds of thousands, indictment alleges


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A grand jury indictment accuses a former Augusta University Dental College of Georgia coordinator of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

We combed through pages of payments in the indictment against Dawn Nichole Gantt, which show payments to Airbnb, Carpet Warehouse, Verizon, the Optavia weight-loss system, Nordictrack.com, Hidden Creek HOA, VRBO, Dooney and Burke and multiple payments to Louis Vuitton, totaling close to $10,000, and multiple payments to Delta Air Lines.

The indictment also shows where she made payments to furniture and appliance stores along with several months of payments to more than one car company.

In total, the indictment shows that through her racketeering activity, Gantt acquired and maintained approximately $305,359.54 in personal property.

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READ THE INDICTMENT AND ARREST WARRANT:

The indictment says Gantt was hired in July of 2015 as the dean’s office coordinator.

In her role, Gantt maintained sole control over an account and all transaction cards, and checks associated with an account that’s used as the dean’s discretionary fund.

The fund is used to support college faculty, residents, staff and student development by covering the cost of leadership programs, retreats, travel, annual events and related expenditures, according to court records.

Experts say two periodical cicada broods will emerge together this year.

The indictment alleges that Gantt on and between Feb. 16, 2016, and Oct. 6, 2023, did unlawfully through a pattern of racketeering activity, acquire and maintain, directly or indirectly, an interest and control of personal property, contrary to the laws of the state of Georgia.

During the time period covered by the indictment, Gantt is accused of engaging in a scheme to acquire and maintain an interest and control of personal property by using the account to complete unauthorized transactions for the personal benefit of herself and others.

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Augusta University says, in a statement to News 12 26,

“Last year, Augusta University concluded a months-long internal investigation of inappropriate disbursements from a dental practice plan bank account that supported the Dental College of Georgia dean’s office. The disbursements were improperly appropriated by an employee in the office who admitted the wrongdoing and who was subsequently terminated from employment. The university’s internal investigation identified gaps in financial oversight processes, and corrective steps have been taken to prevent such actions in the future. The Augusta University Police Department coordinated with and provided investigative assistance to the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Georgia, as the case proceeds under the state’s jurisdiction.”

The grand jury indictment was issued April 16, according to court records.

Gantt is expected to be arraigned May 3 at 9 a.m.



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Augusta, GA

Abercrombie Becomes a Leader On and Off the Court – Augusta University

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Abercrombie Becomes a Leader On and Off the Court – Augusta University


Augusta, Ga. – A year ago when Quinasia Abercrombie was a freshman, she let her work on the court do the talking as she became one of the top players in the Peach Belt Conference. Abercrombie didn’t have to be a vocal leader since the Jaguars had several upper classmen that handled that role. This year, her sophomore season, Abercrombie is still one of the best players around, but now has become the vocal leader of the team, something that didn’t come naturally.

“I’m just leading my team by voice now, not just leading by example,” Abercrombie said. “Since I don’t really talk, I think they (my teammates) were really surprised, but they’re listening.” 

She leads the Augusta women in several offensive categories and has proven to be a major asset to the program. 

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From Greenville, S.C., Abercrombie was an all-state high school player. She gives part of that credit to her siblings, one older brother and three younger brothers. She had to scratch and claw on the basketball court with them and she’s the first to give them credit for helping make her the player she is today. Abercrombie went as fas as saying she enjoys playing against guys since they’ll push her hard to become better, and she likes the competition. 

Now, she’s also being pushed by coach Celeste Stewart. So much so, it’s taking Abercrombie out of her comfort zone. But it’s all for the betterment of her.

“She’s put me in multiple, uncomfortable situations, like talking, being more verbal, and just putting me in positions I wouldn’t normally put myself in,” added Abercrombie.

With the Peach Belt Conference tournament up next for the Jaguars, Abercrombie thinks this team can find another gear and make a run. While she has elevated her game, she knows her teammates can do the same. 

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Even going forward as a player, Abercrombie knows there’s plenty of room for improvement. One of the most notable for her, her ball handling skills.

“I know I like to pick up my dribble a lot and give it to my point guards,” said Abercrombie. “But I know I can bring it down the court, I just need to work on my ball handling and just being confident handling the ball.”

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags. 





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Augusta, GA

Peach Belt tournament: Augusta misses out for the first time in Metress era

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Peach Belt tournament: Augusta misses out for the first time in Metress era


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 2025-2026 Peach Belt Conference brackets are set, and there is plenty of shakeup this year.

Starting with the women’s bracket, Augusta University secured the #4 overall seed and will face #5 seed Middle Georgia in round one.

USCA’s women’s team did not fair as well, finishing in last place of this season’s standings.

On the men’s side, USCA’s men’s team secured the eighth and final spot in the conference tournament.

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In a shocking turn of events, AU’s men’s team did not qualify for the tournament.

This marks the first time the program has missed the PBC tournament since Dip Metress took over the program in 2004.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Falls to Georgia Southwestern in Final Game of the Series – Augusta University

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Augusta Falls to Georgia Southwestern in Final Game of the Series – Augusta University


Augusta, Ga. – Augusta managed just five hits and one run and fell to Georgia Southwestern 12-1 Sunday as the Hurricanes win two of the three games of the series. The Jaguars are now 7-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and 11-8 overall. The Canes improve to 7-2 in conference play and 12-7 overall. 

Georgia Southwestern scored runs in all but one inning including four runs in the first two innings and plated five runs in the fifth, highlighted by a grand slam. 

The only Augusta run would come in the fourth inning. Landon Leonard would reach on an error and would come around when Kent Moon reached on a fielder’s choice that would plate Leonard.

Leonard, Moon, Davis Newman, Harris Bachelder and Jakob Cowart would collect the hits for the Jaguars.  

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Augusta will next be in action on Friday when the open up a three game series with Lander at Jaguar Field. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:00 p.m.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags.

 





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