The investigation of possible embezzlement at the University of Missouri is now a federal case, MU announced in a short statement issued Thursday.

On July 25, the university issued a news release that the MU Police Department was investigating “suspected misappropriation of funds from student organization accounts affiliated with Greek Life.” The latest release stated the investigation has been turned over to federal authorities “because the former employee’s actions might have violated federal laws.”

MU spokesman Christian Basi said he could not reveal the name of the federal agency contacted to take over the investigation. The university is determined to prosecute the case if criminal action is found, he said.

MU police are still participating in the investigation, said Maj. Brian Weimer, spokesman for the department.

"We’ll continue to work with them and assist them as needed," Weimer said.

The name of the person under suspicion has not been released. The missing funds were from a student organization that maintains accounts outside the regular university banking system. The employee involved had authority from the student organization to spend money in the absence of the organization’s student leaders.

Greek Life oversees the activities of fraternities and sororities on campus as well as three affiliated organizations: Greek Week, Greek Allies and Greek Foundation.

In response to the missing funds, which staff discovered in mid-July, the university has implemented new protocols requiring two approvals for spending money held on behalf of student groups. Employees with authority to sign checks on student organization accounts must have all spending approved by their supervisor and the vice chancellor for student affairs.

In the latest statement, the university said it “will continue to review policies and procedures related to the oversight and management of external accounts.”

rkeller@columbiatribune.com

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