The dean of the Valparaiso University Business College was now charged this week with misdemeanor batteries and is no longer employed by the school, but his defense lawyer said the case is rooted in the role of his client as a whistle of university finances.
Niclas Erhardt, 51, from Portage, was charged on February 18 of a number of Battery Class B battery, according to charging documents. On November 24, Erhardt “made consciously or intentionally LB in an rude, shameless or angry way,” the documents said.
“Valparaiso University is aware of the charges and takes the matter with the utmost seriousness. The security and well -being of our community remain our highest advantage, and we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members, ”said Michael University spokesman in a statement after the tribune.
“The individual is no longer a dean at the university and we continue to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities regarding this investigation.”
Matt Lutth is currently acting as a temporary dean, Fenton said in an email, refusing to provide additional information as the situation is a matter of staff.
Eric Johnson, University Provost and Executive Vice President on Academic Affairs, pushed Fenton for comment.
Erhardt’s lawyer, Ken Elwood, said the charge is motivated by his client’s role as a whistle that includes university finances. The university has made significant cuts in programs and faculties over the past two years.
“My client reported improper financial behavior within the university to the President. The criminal investigation by the university’s private police force is motivated by the university’s financial problems, “Elwood said.
President of José Padilla announced in January that he was withdrawing at the end of the year, which university officials said it was his plan after his mandate at Valparaiso University was complete.
At the end of October, a majority of the Faculty Senate voted in favor of a non -confidence resolution for plaintiff, followed by a majority of votes and the full faculty that supports that resolution. Voting took place while the University Board was holding a meeting on the campus.
Elwood said it is “a clear conflict” for the university police to conduct an investigation and that the industry standard is to bring a foreign police department to investigate the charges.
“This is motivated by the president’s concerns about finance in VU,” Elwood said. “His desire to remove a highly paid employee. In addition to violating numerous federal laws, it also has a whistle component. “
According to an announcement regarding the renting of Erhardt on the University’s website, he joined the school as a dean of the Business College on August 3, 2020. He had previously served as the Associate Dean of the Maine Business School at the University of Maine and is a Stockholm native, Sweden.
“It is very honorable and excitement that I join Valpo and business college,” Erhardt said in posting the website. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and business community to make significant and innovative changes to support the tradition of Valpo’s excellence and transformative educational experience for its students.”
His case has been assigned to Porter’s Supreme Court Judge Christopher Buckley. Court dates have not yet been assigned to this matter; The maximum sentence for a Class B offense is 180 days in prison and a fine of $ 1000.
alavalley@chicagotribune.com
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