USA Swimming CFO arrested for theft, embezzlement
The USA Swimming National Championships logo is reflected in a competition pool. (Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Swimming has placed its chief financial officer on leave after learning that he was arrested in Colorado on allegations that he improperly used money tied to a university athletic program.
USA Swimming CFO arrested, put on leave
Big picture view:
Cory Hilliard, 54, was arrested and faces charges of theft, embezzlement of public property, and first-degree official misconduct, stemming from his previous position in the University of Colorado’s athletic department.
Prosecutors in Boulder County allege that Hilliard misappropriated funds from the school’s Nike Elite program for personal use, resulting in $9,510.50 in losses to the university.
Hilliard had been responsible for managing employee product benefits within the program, according to the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office.
What they're saying:
USA Swimming said Monday that it learned of the arrest that day and "immediately placed Cory on leave and terminated all access to any company data and financial controls" while it begins its own investigation.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, "In any case involving possible Official Misconduct, the community trust requires a thorough investigation. So, I truly appreciate the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of the CU Police Department."
USA Swimming oversees the sport from the grassroots to the Olympic level in the U.S.
Another setback for USA Swimming
The backstory:
Hilliard joined USA Swimming as CFO in December, becoming one of the first executives hired after Kevin Ring became CEO last September. At the time, Ring praised Hilliard for his financial expertise and described him as a leader committed to transparency.
"Cory brings extraordinary financial discipline, operational expertise, and a strong track record of transparent leadership," Ring said at the time.
RELATED: FBI and NCAA team up to fight sexual exploitation
The arrest creates another setback for an organization that has undergone significant leadership changes in recent years.
Ring took over as CEO after Chrissi Rawak left the position less than two weeks into her tenure. USA Swimming said at the time that it had learned Rawak was the subject of a complaint at the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Hilliard did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent to his USA Swimming email.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Boulder County. This story was reported from Los Angeles.