The bulk of the thefts Rathmann admitted to came from the alleged scheme involving the fake vendors.

In 2005, Rathmann created and registered three shell companies with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, according to Tammy Dickinson, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

“These companies — R&R, R&R Argi and Garrett Farm and Oil — did not produce a single product or provide a service of any type,” Dickinson said in a statement. “Either Rathmann or her husband were the owners and registered agents for these companies.”

Mizzou’s investigation found that between January 2005 and June 2014, Rathmann used the fake companies to bill the university more than $570,000 for services never provided.

Additionally, the university believes Rathmann embezzled nearly $160,000 using a school-issued purchasing card for personal expenses, and an additional nearly $12,000 in unauthorized cash withdrawals.

By pleading guilty, Rathmann waived her right to a grand jury and agreed to forfeit $716,000 to the government.

Under federal law, she is facing up to 30 years in prison.

The university accepted some culpability for Rathmann’s actions.