The recent conviction of former executive director of the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE), Susan Brown, for embezzlement, forgery and falsification of corporate documents, has signaled the aftermath of corruption on community-centered academic initiatives. According to a press release from the Suffolk County District Attorney, Brown's illicit actions led to considerable financial loss and the revocation of the BCAE's tax-exempt status.
Brown's accomplice, Karen Kalifan, further drained BCAE's resources by charging for services never rendered, cumulating expenses to an estimated $565,000 over seven years. While she was absolved of receiving stolen property, it emphasized factors promoting institutional corruption, to which organizations such as the BCAE fall prey.
"The fate that befell the BCAE, a reputable organization with longevity, is deeply saddening," remarked District Attorney Kevin Hayden. "These individuals calculated considerable unlawful profits, in the process depriving the community of beneficial academic resources."
According to a press release by the District Attorney, a parallel action by Mark Mitchell, former comptroller of the BCAE, led to him embezzling approximately $1.3 million from the center. After pleading guilty, Mitchell received a sentence of 18 months in the House of Correction. Together, these incidents display the extent of corruption within the BCAE, contributing to its downfall.
Susan Brown was convicted of one count of larceny over $1,200, one count of forgery, one count of forgery of a document, and one count of falsifying entry in corporate books. Brown will be sentenced on November 9 in Suffolk Superior Court.
