Former University of Idaho Associate Director of Alumni Engagement Tim Helmke pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to his time working at the university. He allegedly used a university card for over $2,700 in unauthorized purchases.
Previously in April, Helmke pleaded innocent to all charges. This included two counts of forgery and misuse of funds by a public officer.
These charges come after Helmke made unauthorized purchases while also submitting false receipts in 2019 and 2020. He was later terminated on Oct. 30, 2020.
Charges for the misuse of funds by a public officer in Idaho can go as high as a $10,000 fine and a 14-year prison sentence. This fine would be in addition to compensating for misused funds.
Forgery can result in a maximum of 14 years in prison.
Helmke’s unauthorized purchases occurred at a Moscow Bear Boosters auction, a Moscow Chamber of Commerce auction, according to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
Helmke is scheduled to appear in person for his sentencing on Oct. 20 with Judge John Judge at the Latah County District Court.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Helmke was not affiliated with the Best Western Plus University Inn.
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @haadiyatariq