Florida A&M University’s Vice President and athletic director, Angela Suggs, is facing serious legal trouble after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released a probable cause affidavit.
The affidavit details allegations that Suggs misused funds from the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF) during her tenure as President and CEO, submitting false travel claims and using foundation credit cards for personal expenses, including possible gambling at casinos.
Details of the Allegations
According to the affidavit, Suggs is accused of misusing the foundation’s funds between August 2022 and August 2024. The report alleges she submitted false travel reimbursement paperwork to conceal non-FSF business expenses on 23 occasions, totaling $23,205.56. The charges against Suggs include:
- Grand Theft (over $20,000, less than $100,000), First-Degree Felony
- Scheme to Defraud (over $300), Third-Degree Felony
- Four counts of False Claim on Travel Voucher, Second-Degree Misdemeanor
The FDLE investigation began in November 2024 after a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Inspector General, stemming from an audit that scrutinized Suggs’ business credit card transactions and travel reimbursements.
Casino Expenses and False Claims
The affidavit outlines several instances where Suggs allegedly used the foundation’s credit card for personal expenses at casinos. For example, during a business trip to Las Vegas in August 2022, Suggs spent nearly $650 at Resorts World Las Vegas. The Director of Finance for the foundation stated he witnessed Suggs gambling at the casino. The report notes, “two receipts related to the trip indicated they were for cash withdrawals from the teller counter and not business meals, as later claimed by Suggs”.
Additional charges on the FSF credit card included multiple transactions at Seminole Hard Rock and Potawatomi Bingo casinos, with individual charges ranging from $431.80 to $1,619.25, all totaling $23,205.56.
Suggs’ Response
Suggs turned herself in to the Leon County Jail on June 9 and was released on bond that same night. In a statement released on June 10, Suggs addressed the allegations:
“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 I’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.”
University Response and Next Steps
Florida A&M University announced that Suggs has been placed on administrative leave with pay until further notice. Athletics business operations will continue under the Deputy Directors of Athletics, Travis Glasgow and Brittney Johnson.
FAMU interim president Timothy Beard commented, “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 case remains under investigation, and Suggs has stated her intention to fight the charges through the legal process.
