Temple University cancels $55 million gift from alumnus amid federal probe

Temple University Christopher Barnett ABA Centers of America philanthropy federal investigation

Temple University has terminated a $55 million philanthropic commitment from alumnus and former trustee Christopher Barnett. The decision follows federal allegations involving Barnett and his company, ABA Centers of America.

According to court documents, federal investigators allege that Barnett's company fraudulently billed federal and private healthcare programs for services provided to children with autism. Investigators further claim that proceeds from the alleged scheme were used to fund a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of a private jet, luxury cars, and a $20 million estate in Florida.

Barnett has resigned from the university's Board of Trustees. While the university and Barnett have mutually agreed to end the gift agreement, Temple President John Fry noted that no charges have been filed and no payments were yet due. Barnett reportedly strenuously denies the allegations and intends to defend himself.

Entities

ABA Centers of America · Christopher Barnett · John Fry · Mitchell L. Morgan · Temple University

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] No charges have been filed and no payments had yet become due under the gift agreement. 6abc.com · abc13.com · abc7chicago.com · abc7news.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Christopher Barnett denies the federal allegations and intends to defend himself. 6abc.com · abc13.com · abc7chicago.com · abc7news.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Temple University and Christopher Barnett mutually agreed to terminate a $55 million philanthropic commitment. 6abc.com · abc13.com · abc7chicago.com · abc7news.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Christopher Barnett resigned from the university's Board of Trustees. 6abc.com · abc13.com · abc7chicago.com · abc7news.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Federal investigators allege Barnett's company, ABA Centers of America, fraudulently billed federal and private healthcare programs for services provided to autistic children. 6abc.com · abc13.com · abc7chicago.com · abc7news.com

Sources

Temple University terminates record $55 million gift from alumnus amid federal investigation [abc30.com]

15 days ago

Temple terminates record $55 million gift from alumnus amid federal investigation [6abc.com]

15 days ago

Temple University terminates record $55 million gift from alumnus amid federal investigation [abc13.com]

15 days ago

Temple University terminates record $55 million gift from alumnus amid federal investigation [abc7chicago.com]

15 days ago

Temple University terminates record $55 million gift from alumnus amid federal investigation [abc7news.com]

15 days ago