Augusta, GA
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.
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.
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.
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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
TikToker cleans father’s hoarded house – and goes viral
Madison Lovelle posts videos online while going through and cleaning her childhood home after her father died.
Housing costs are often the biggest Georgians deal with every month, so it’s important to try and save money where possible.
Last week, WalletHub released its ranking of the most affordable cities to buy a home. It analyzed 300 cities based on 10 metrics, with the biggest weight going to housing affordability and cost per square foot.
Best city to buy a home in Georgia?
Augusta ranked the highest among Georgia cities, ranking 8th overall and 3rd best in the midsized cities list.
Augusta real estate prices
According to Zillow, as of March, the median list price for a house in Georgia is $205,000 with a median sale price of $187,283. About 57% of sales are under the list price.
The average rent, as of April, is $1,365 per month.
Augusta cost of living
The MIT Living Wage Calculator reports the hourly pay needed to support yourself and/or your family, assuming full-time employment. For Richmond County (Augusta), it’s $20.31 for one adult, $28.16 for a two-adult household with one working, and $14.08 for a two-adult household with both working.
Children obviously increase the wage needed. Depending on how many adults are working, the necessary pay figures may increase by up to $13 for just one child, with more needed for additional children.
Worst city to buy a home in Georgia?
The Georgia city with the lowest ranking on the list overall was Sandy Springs. However, with 300 cities, landing at No. 151 doesn’t make it nearly the worst in the nation. Sandy Springs was No. 56 on the small cities list.
What are the best cities to buy a home in US?
- Flint, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Surprise, AZ
- Yuma, AZ
- Akron, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Memphis, TN
- Augusta, GA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Cleveland, OH
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Senate candidate Derek Dooley made several visits to the area on Friday.
Dooley had stops in both Lincolnton and Augusta on May 29 and was joined by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for his “Georgia First” tour. He spoke about one of the issues he finds in politics.
“But the other piece of it is the corruption. People sit on these committees. They have access to information that none of us have. And then you look up 2 or 3 years down the road and their wealth is just skyrocketing,” Dooley said. “You’re outperforming every investor out there. And I think it’s shameful. I think it erodes trust. It’s something that I will never do.”
“Politicians were out there getting paid. They were coming back home. They’re raising money and campaigning while the government shut down,” Kemp said. “What Derek’s saying, if he’s up there, we’re not going to allow legislators to get paid. We’re going to take away their benefits. That way, you won’t ever have another shutdown again.”
Dooley is facing Congressman Mike Collins in a runoff for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
The winner of the Republican nomination will face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man has been arrested after he was accused of hitting two women at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta.
The incident happened on May 14 around 12 a.m.
According to arrest warrants, Bruce Bland struck one victim with a closed hand several times in the face. Bland also threw a garbage can at the victim, hitting her in the head.
The warrant states the victim suffered a bruise on her face.
Bland also hit another victim with a closed hand on her mouth, according to the warrants. She suffered swelling and a bruise on her mouth.
Bland is charged with battery and simple battery, according to the warrants. Both charges are misdemeanors.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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