MINNEAPOLIS (FOX nine) – A former University of Minnesota employee has been charged after allegedly using college budget to shop for nearly 80 computer systems simplest sell them on Craigslist and at pawnshops pocketing extra than $a hundred twenty-five,000, according to the criminal criticism. Michael James McDaniel, 34, of Lilydale, Minnesota, has been charged with four counts of theft with the aid of swindle. According to university statistics, McDaniel worked on the U of M from November 2007 to November 2018, working most of these days as an administrative representative for the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR).
A termination letter suggests his college employment ended on Nov. 2.
“Based on your robbery of considerable University property, your employment on the University of Minnesota is terminated,” read the letter in element. According to the crook complaint, in October 2018, a finance representative observed McDaniel had sold numerous computer systems at the University of Minnesota book place, however by no means had the computers registered with the CMRR branch. Upon similar investigation, University of Minnesota police officers learned McDaniel offered seventy-eight computer systems with CMRR finances between September 2017 and October 2018. The computer systems were together well worth $134,544. McDaniel did go back to two different computer systems after human sources contacted him.
When faced by police, McDaniel claimed 3 guys pulled him right into a darkish SUV and instructed him to shop for the computer systems using his connections. However, further investigation unraveled his story. Officers obtained the serial numbers of the stolen computers and contacted Apple, which placed the various computer systems that are now unfolding in the arena. Only six of the computer systems had been registered in Minnesota. Craiglist records showed more than one postings for selling laptops with McDaniel’s wide variety as a contact. Investigators also learned McDaniel pawned 5 computers in 2017.
Investigators say McDaniel’s financial institution information also confirmed a pattern. Soon after choosing the computer systems paid with university finances, he would deposit massive cash quantities into his bank account. From Sept. 29, 2017, to Feb. Five, 2019, McDaniel picked up thirteen computer systems, collectively worth $20,831. During the identical term, he deposited more than $20,000 into his bank account. From Feb. Nine, 2018, to May 2, 2018, he got 22 computers well worth $36,630. During this time, he deposited greater than $30,000 coins. From May sixteen, 2018, to July 30, 2018, McDaniel picked up 23 computers well worth $40,451.
He deposited more than $40,000 coins during this time period. From Aug. 1, 2018, to Oct. 1, 2018, he picked up 20 computer systems well worth $36,632. In that time body, he deposited extra than $35,000 cash into his account. McDaniel has a document of swindling in Hennepin County as he turned into charge in 2017 for returning empty iPad packing containers to Target shops. He finished a diversion application in January of 2018. McDaniel is not in custody. Each of the 4 counts carries a most sentence of twenty years in prison and a $a hundred 000 great.