Dolores Cross, the former Morris Brown College president convicted of embezzling millions of dollars in government money to cover the school’s debts, was sentenced Wednesday to five years probation and a year of home confinement.
U.S. District Judge Julie E. Carnes said the sentence, which was agreed on by prosecutors and Cross’ attorneys, was based on her age and health and the fact that she did not benefit personally from the crime.
“The defendants have admitted their guilt, will be convicted felons, will serve sentences involving confinement and will pay restitution,” David E. Nahmias, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said in a statement. “When the defendants arrived at Morris Brown, the college was already in serious financial condition. Thereafter, these defendants misappropriated … money in fairly complicated ways in what appears to have been a misguided and ultimately criminal attempt to keep Morris Brown afloat.”
In a statement released Wednesday, the college board trustees said they were elated that “the current ordeal is over.”
“This sad chapter in the college’s history is now closed,” said Dr. William P. DeVeaux, chairman of the board. “The Morris Brown College family should be applauded for staying the course and supporting the continued forward movement of the college under very difficult and trying circumstances.”
Cross, 70, was president of the 125-year-old college from November 1998 until February 2002.
She pleaded guilty in May to embezzling the funds. In exchange for the plea, federal prosecutors dismissed 27 other counts against her.
