On February 26, 2016, Utah Valley University received a complaint via its anonymous hotline (EthicsPoint) alleging that Jennifer Clegg, the former financial manager of the University’s former Technology & Computing College, was misusing her position to conduct private business during work hours and that her coworkers feared retaliation from her if they spoke up about it. In the course of immediately investigating these allegations, the University uncovered suspected financial misconduct by Ms. Clegg and by her husband Phil Clegg, former associate dean of students. As a result, in April 2016 Ms. Clegg’s employment was terminated, and in May 2016 Mr. Clegg resigned from his employment while his conduct was under investigation.

UVU officials acted swiftly in stopping the suspected financial misconduct, ensured that procedures and practices were in place to prevent any further misconduct, and triggered a criminal investigation by promptly informing the Utah Attorney General’s Office in May 2016. In response to a court order, UVU provided documentation to assist the Attorney General’s Office with its investigation. By that time, UVU had confirmed approximately $384,000 in losses.

In the nearly three years since then, we have not shared any details to protect the integrity of the investigation and to comply with a court order requiring confidentiality. Following the investigation by the Attorney General’s Office, on February 28, 2019, that office filed criminal charges against the Cleggs. The Attorney General’s Office is also seeking restitution on behalf of the University. As always in criminal matters, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

While UVU views itself as the victim here, the University has further shored up its internal controls, continues to conduct audits on a regular basis by internal and external auditors, follows policies and procedures to prevent financial misconduct, and continues to expect ethics and integrity in the management of financial systems.

UVU is committed to its mission and core values, including upholding an environment of ethical behavior and expecting honesty, integrity, legal compliance, financial stewardship, and accountability in the performance of employees’ UVU-related responsibilities. UVU expects the highest ethical behavior of its employees.

Due to the pending criminal case, UVU will not comment further. Questions about the criminal case may be directed to the Utah Attorney General’s Office. For more information, see https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/news. UVU employees receiving media inquiries about this case are to direct them to Scott Trotter, senior director of communications and university spokesperson, scott.trotter@uvu.edu, (w) 801-863-6807, (c) 801-419-6860.