Crime & Safety

Missing $1.1M Linked To Former UMD Employee Who Now Faces Theft Charges

A former University of Maryland department head faces theft charges after university police linked her to $1.1 million that was missing.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A former University of Maryland employee from Severn has been indicted on one count of theft of over $100,000 and a lesser count of theft between $1,500 and $250,000.

A University of Maryland police investigation discovered that from 2016 to 2020, Lisa Schuetz "abused her official position and purchasing authority by engaging in a scheme to defraud the University of Maryland."

“The charges that Ms. Schuetz is facing are serious. Financial crimes can have devastating consequences and we will continue to take strong action to investigate and prosecute Ms. Schuetz,” State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said.

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The total amount of the theft is $1,134,887.66. If convicted, Schuetz faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

According to the university, Schuetz worked as a director in UMD's Mechanical Engineering Department.

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