MU opens investigation into former financial officer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri has opened an investigation into a former official's actions in connection with alleged financial mismanagement in the College of Engineering.

University officials said in a news release Tuesday that Brandon Guffey, director of financial services for the college, was fired Friday after a tip reported to the UM System Office of Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services. MU has opened an internal audit and an MUPD criminal investigation, the release says.

Employees with "access to relevant system information" might be put on leave or have job responsibilities changed temporarily to help in the investigation, according to the release. At least one person has been put on leave, the university said.

“We are very appreciative of the individual who came forward earlier to share suspicions of financial mismanagement,” Michelle Piranio, chief audit and compliance officer at MU, said in the news release. “We continue to work with the MUPD and appreciate all the cooperation and additional information that is being sent to our office. It is important that we do everything necessary to ensure the university’s resources are protected and are being used to forward our missions of education, teaching, research and outreach.”

The release didn't detail the allegations against Guffey.

Guffey was paid $124,242 per year, according to Missouri's official manual. An MU spokesman said he had worked there since 2006.