Old Main on the University of Arizona campus. A former longtime professor of animal sciences has pled guilty to charges of stealing from the University of Arizona.
UA Professor John Marchello.John Marchello was indicted in April 2015 for misappropriating what is believed to be $223,000 from the UA student-run meat store, which he oversaw.
According to university officials, in addition to pleading guilty, Marchello has agreed to pay more than $80,000 in criminal restitution.
A sentencing hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 21.
He could face from one year to 45 months in prison or up to four years of probation.
Marchello joined the UA Animal Sciences faculty in 1965 and resigned from the university in April 2015 after being indicted.
The Pima County Attorney’s Office has also brought a civil forfeiture case against Marchello to recover the money it believes he diverted from the UA. The university has filed a claim in that case and hopes to be able to recover the funds in addition to the criminal restitution.
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