Former Augusta University Employee Indicted for Embezzling Over $300,000

Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Dawn Gantt, 43, of Martinez, has been indicted in Richmond County. Gantt previously served as the Dean’s Office Coordinator for Augusta University’s Dental College of Georgia. In this role, the defendant is alleged to have stolen more than $300,000 from the College between February 2016 until her termination in October 2023.

“University employees are expected to help further our mission to provide a world-class education, and those who choose to instead engage in unlawful activity will be held accountable,” said Carr. “Stealing from our college campuses means stealing from Georgia’s students, and it won’t be tolerated.”

This case was investigated by the Augusta University Police Department.

The Attorney General’s Public Integrity and White Collar Crime Unit presented evidence to a Richmond County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment of Dawn Gantt on April 16, 2024.

The defendant has been charged with one count of Racketeering in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4(a). The alleged racketeering activity includes 288 acts of Theft by Taking in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2 and 19 acts of False Statements and Writings in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-10-20.

In 2021, Gantt received the James A. & Erie P. Blissit Award which is given to an employee who performs outstanding administrative support services and promotes a positive image for Augusta University.