A University of Connecticut professor was arrested for the misuse of almost $60,000 of the university’s money for personal use.
Sherry Zane, an associate professor-in-residence at UConn and interim director of women’s, gender and sexuality studies, was charged with larceny in the first degree on Feb. 13, according to UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz.
According to the warrant for Zane’s arrest, Zane’s misuse of funds was discovered after the UConn compliance office received an anonymous tip in mid-November that suspected Zane of making suspicious charges. The UConn compliance office investigated Zane’s expenses and found that from June 2021 to December 2023, Zane used $58,084 of university and grant funds “for personal travel and related personal expenses.” This money was spent over the course of 19 trips and 187 travel days.
When initially making these expenses, Zane claimed them for reimbursement, and in turn was reimbursed by the university for her travels, stating that these expenses were for research for various projects. However, it was later found that the expenses were mainly for the personal use of herself and her family, as stated in Zane’s arrest warrant.
Zane’s misuse of money was in violation of UConn’s travel policy, the Employee Code of Conduct, and the university’s Guide to the State Code of Ethics, according to Reitz.
The university travel policy states “university funds cannot be used to reimburse employees for personal expenses. Travel expenses paid by the university must meet the definitions of what is allowable under university policy and IRS rules, in which all reimbursable expenditures must have a business purpose and must be supported by documentation.”
After conducting its initial investigation, the compliance office notified the UConn Police Department (UCPD) of the situation and Zane was put on administrative leave, according to Reitz.
UCPD then launched its own investigation.
It was found that Zane’s travel expenses included lodging, meals and other expenses. During the two-year period, Zane went on multiple trips on university money and then “planned or created work after the fact in an effort to justify the expenses,” according to the report by the Compliance Office. These trips included trips to Disney World with her children, trips to Ireland to visit her daughter and trips to visit family members in Chicago. During this time, she referred to these trips as vacations to students and colleagues.
According to Reitz, on Feb. 13, the state’s attorney’s office “determined there was enough evidence to apply for a felony arrest warrant, which was authorized by a Connecticut Superior Court judge.” Zane agreed to go to UCPD and was arrested.
Zane is still on administrative leave, waiting for the outcome of the university’s disciplinary process, according to Reitz.