Another FAMU Scandal: Athletic Director Angela Suggs Busted for $24K Fraud & Grand Theft
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Another financial scandal has hit Florida A&M University (FAMU) — this time involving its own Athletic Director Angela Suggs, who has been charged with $24,000 in fraud and grand theft following a major investigation.
Suggs turned herself in last week and now faces multiple felony charges, adding to the growing list of financial controversies shaking the university’s leadership.
Investigation reveals unauthorized spending
According to HBCU Gameday, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) began investigating Suggs in November 2024. The investigation uncovered that during her time as president and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF), she used a company-issued credit card for personal expenses — including casino transactions, cash withdrawals, and wire transfers totaling nearly $24,000.
Suggs also allegedly falsified travel vouchers, disguising personal expenses as meals. Though she claimed the misuse was unintentional and promised to repay the funds, investigators found that full repayment never occurred.
Suggs’ transition to FAMU leadership
Before her arrest, Suggs had returned to Florida A&M University in September 2024 to serve as Athletic Director, a role she previously held in an interim capacity. Her return was part of efforts to stabilize athletic leadership and boost fundraising and program sustainability amid broader financial concerns at the university.
Suggs, a FAMU alumna with deep ties to Tallahassee, had also previously served as Senior Associate Athletic Director, where she led a successful branding overhaul of FAMU’s sports programs, drove increased ticket sales, and secured new corporate partnerships.
Multiple felony charges filed
Suggs is now facing the following charges:
- Four counts of fraud related to travel expenses
- One count of fraud-swindling to obtain property under $20,000
- Larceny grand theft of $20,000 or more but under $100,000
She was released on bond of approximately $15,000 after turning herself in.
FAMU responds to latest leadership scandal
In response to Suggs’ arrest, FAMU Interim President Dr. Timothy Beard issued the following statement:
“Florida A&M University is aware of the allegations involving our athletics director, Angela Suggs, while she was working with a former employer. While the matter is unrelated to her duties as an employee at FAMU, we are monitoring the situation and will respond in the future as appropriate.”
The news comes at a sensitive time for FAMU, where both the university president and a vice president recently resigned amid separate financial issues — further heightening scrutiny of university leadership.
What’s next?
It remains to be seen whether FAMU will take immediate action regarding Suggs’ role. The university community — already reeling from leadership changes — will be closely watching as this latest scandal unfolds.