Former U of L executives dodge federal prosecution

By Kyeland Jackson —

The U.S. attorneys office reportedly chose not to prosecute former U of L executives accused of misusing federal funds.

First reported by the Courier-Journal, David Dunn, Priscilla Hancock and Russell Bessette learned of the federal government’s decision Wednesday. Former U of L Foundation Chair Bob Hughes said the U.S. attorney’s decision did not surprise him.

“This was the right decision, and I have always had and continue to have the highest regards for Dr. David Dunn,” Hughes said.

The university did not have a comment at the time of this article.

U of L first revealed FBI were investigating the former executives December 2015, placing the employees on paid leave. By July 2016, Dunn and Hancock earned over $500,000 in paid leave.

Hancock retired Oct. 1. Dunn was released from the university with a $1.15 million agreement.