Probe of UNR fraud allegations is closed

RENO -- The state attorney general's office has closed a five-month investigation into claims of fraud against the University of Nevada, Reno, including allegations of misuse of federal grants.

University officials say they are pleased with the conclusion of the probe, but one of the plaintiffs in the case says those involved knew it would be a "whitewash."

The complaint stems from a request to Attorney General Catherine Cortez Mastro in April during a meeting with Rich Schweickert, a UNR geology professor; Hussein S. Hussein, a fired UNR animal science professor; fired soccer coach Terri Patraw; and UNR police officer Lane Grow.

They submitted exhibits and a 94-page summary of allegations of misuse of federal grants and farm property, embezzlement, forgery, obstruction of justice and perjury.

Wayne Fazzino, the special investigator with the attorney general's office who conducted the investigation, said in his Sept. 11 summary that many of the allegations have been heard or remain pending in lawsuits in state and federal courts and none involved criminal activity.

He said claims of misuse of federal grants are outside the state's authority.

Fazzino also said Hussein, Schweickert, Patraw, Grow and plaintiff Laurie Bollinger refused to be interviewed, which Schweickert said is false.

Conrad Hafen, chief criminal deputy attorney general, sent a Sept. 3 memorandum to Fazzino saying he agreed that many of the allegations against UNR do not constitute criminal conduct.

"In fact, they appear to be nonsensical and in conflict with information you received from your other sources," Hafen said.

"Those allegations that may be criminal fall outside our statutory authority and cannot be prosecuted because the statute of limitations has elapsed. As a result, I recommend that this case be closed," he said.

Schweickert said he and the other plaintiffs hope to pursue their claims through the FBI.