Former Eastern Gateway President, VP Indicted for Felony Grand Theft

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Jefferson County Grand Jury has issued indictments against two former officials at Eastern Gateway Community College in response to allegations of misusing college credit cards for personal expenses unrelated to the school’s operations, according to a statement released by Auditor of State Keith Faber.

Jimmie Bruce, former EGCC president, and James Miller, former vice president/chief of staff, are facing several charges including felony counts of grand theft, theft in office, telecommunications fraud, having an unlawful interest in a public contract, and misuse of credit cards. Additionally, they are charged with misdemeanor counts of misuse of credit cards and having an unlawful interest in a public contract.

The indictment was filed Wednesday at the Jefferson County Common Pleas Court. Bruce and Miller are scheduled for arraignment on Aug. 23.

The alleged financial improprieties were initially brought to light during a routine financial audit conducted for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019. The investigation, carried out by the Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit, identified a total of 205 credit card transactions, collectively amounting to over $28,757. These transactions were found to be completely unrelated to the legitimate operations of the college.

As a consequence of the investigation, Bruce and Miller were placed on administrative leave in January 2020, and later fired from their respective positions.

Special Investigations Unit attorneys have taken on the role of special prosecutors in this case, operating under the appointment of Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin.

Pictured at top: Former President of Eastern Gateway Community College Jimmie Bruce.

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