Binghamton’s New York State University Police charged Binghamton University professor Seshu D. Desu with falsifying business records.
The felony charge, which was filed in Vestal Town Court on Sept. 2, came as a result of an audit and investigation into Desu’s international travel, according to Binghamton University spokeswoman Gail Glover.
‘The investigation looked at travel receipts and reimbursement dating back several years,’ she said. ‘Charges were based on Desu’s alleged alteration of travel receipts and reimbursement for amounts that exceeded the actual costs of the travel.’
Glover would not discuss specifics regarding Desu’s travel receipts or reimbursements, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Press & Sun-Bulletin reported Sept. 2 that further charges are pending. As of Monday, no further charges have been filed, according to Gloria Meade, a clerk for Vestal Town Court.
Official court documents show that Desu submitted a travel receipt to the University in the amount of $1,985 in April 2009. The receipt was for a reimbursement for travel between Hartford, Conn. and Chennai, India. Desu reserved his flight through Worldwide Travel, Inc.
But after inquiries from a BU accountant, Laxmi Chand, the Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Travel, Inc., notified BU that the correct amount was $1,585, and that Desu’s credit card was charged with that amount. Records show that Desu was reimbursed for $1,985.
Chand told the Press & Sun-Bulletin that Worldwide Travel, Inc. provides clients with cost estimates but does not provide an exact amount until a purchase is made. Chand said that the $1,985 was likely an estimated amount.
Interim BU President C. Peter Magrath issued a statement Thursday, Sept. 2 regarding the case.
‘The alleged actions of this faculty member are a tremendous disappointment,’ Magrath said. ‘Binghamton University will continue to be committed to promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct by faculty, staff and students, and will not tolerate violations of these standards under any circumstances.’
According to the Press & Sun-Bulletin, Desu was suspended Friday, Sept. 3 without pay, and his research responsibilities have been reassigned.
The court documents show that Desu’s travels occurred between Jan. 17 and Feb. 8, 2008.
Desu did not respond to requests for comment.
Desu was once the dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He resigned in June 2009 to become executive director of the Center for Autonomous Solar Power, a BU organization designed to researching ways to increase the efficiency and affordability of solar power.
Desu’s research focused on creating flexible, thin-film solar cells. He also played a large role in securing over $4.5 million in Congressional funding for research.