According to a probable cause affidavit released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement FDLE) Florida A&M Athletic Director was charged with grand theft (over $20,000, less than $100,000),a first degree felony; scheme to defraud (over $300.00), a third degree fenony and false claim on a travel voucher, a second degree misdemeanor.
The affidavit outlines 23 separate occasions in which Suggs, while CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation, used her FSF Visa credit card totaling $23,205.96. The charges occurred at World Resorts Las Vegas ( 2-times totalling $$649.98) , Seminole Hard Rock Casino ( 5 times on February 16, 2024 for $2,860.68 and 11 times on June 29-30, 2024 to the tune of $13,817.60), and five uses of the card at Potawatomi Bingo on August 26, 28 and 29 totaling $5,877.30.
According to Eddie Price, FSF’s Director of Finance and his assistant, Brenda Johnson, Suggs indicated that $2,860.68 worth of charges at the Seminole Hard Rock were in error as she used the wrong card. Suggs’s then assistant, Latoya Smithwick stated that attributed five separate charges totaling $5,877.30 to her again erroneously using thewrong card.
The investigation revealed that Suggs “falsified, or causedocuments to be falsified, by claiming expenses as business meals, when in fact they were cash withdrawals or room dining charges.
Based on the facts developed during your Affiant’s investigation regarding Angela Suggs, it was determined that:
From August 16, 2022, through August 29, 2024, Suggs, while holding the position of CEO/President of Florida Sports Foundation, knowingly engaged in a systematic, ongoing course of conduct with the intent to defraud the Florida Sports Foundation and State of Florida of $1,314.62, to wit used her State issued credit card to pay for her non FSF expenses.
From fiscal year 2022 through 2026, Suggs knowingly and unlawfully obtained the total amount of $23,205.56 from the use of her issued FSF credit card, with the intent to temporarily deprive the FSF and the State of Florida of funds.
From fiscal year 2022 through 2024, Suggs submitted or caused to be submitted false travel documents indicating that funds used were for FSF business, when in fact the funds were used for personal gain or pleasure.
On June 10 Florida A&M announced that Suggs was placed on full administrative leave with pay until further notice. That same day AD Suggs released the following statement on her Facebook page:
Regarding the charges recently brought against me in connection with my previous place of employment, I want to make it clear that these matters are entirely unrelated to Florida A&M University or my current role.
I am fully committed to addressing these allegations through the appropriate legal channels. I regret the distraction caused, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support, fervent prayers, and continued encouragement l’ve received during this most difficult time. I remain focused, resilient, and committed to our shared goals and determined to fulfill our ongoing, planned, and collective success.”
As of yet there is no scheduled date for Suggs’ court proceedings. She was released from jail on a $13,500 bond.
