Drake embezzlement loss is $470,000

Yup. In case you haven't heard Drake University has been investigating an embezzlement scandal. Maybe this is why our tuition fees go up every year....

       The suspect has been identified as Robert Alex Harlan, 49, a former Drake employee.

       Des Moines police Sgt. Chris Scott said Harlan is being charged with five counts of first- degree theft, one for each year of five years he allegedly was embezzling money.

       Police said the embezzlement apparently dates to 2004, but the official investigation went back just five years. The police case that started the probe is dated March 28.

       Sgt. Scott said he has no specifics as to how the money was taken or what the suspect allegedly did with the university’s money.

       Harlan is not in custody. Police said they are talking to his attorney about when he will turn himself in.

      Brianne Sanchez, a spokeswoman for the university is directing all calls to the Des Moines Police Department.