A former University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh business officer accused of illegally transferring millions from the university to its foundation claims the Board of Regents never objected to the moves.
The regents have sued UW-Oshkosh former Chancellor Richard Wells and former Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Thomas Sonnleitner alleging they illegally transferred $11.3 million to cover construction projects between 2010 and 2014.
Sonnleitner filed an answer to the allegations against him Monday.
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In the filing, Sonnleitner denied doing anything wrong and that Wells and representatives of the Board of Regents authorized and approved of his actions. It also noted the actions were part of his duties as outlined in his job description which included “providing leadership, vision and direction” for the school.
The answer also said Sonnleitner did not violate the state Constitution as alleged by the Board of Regents in its civil case and he did not conspire to convert state or university money to the private projects. Ultimately, the filing asserts Sonnleitner helped UW-Oshkosh grow.
A report obtained by Oshkosh Northwestern Media shows UW System Vice President of Finance Debbie Durcan sat on the foundation’s board and didn’t object to the university-foundation relationship.
Sonnleitner is demanding a jury trial.
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