Former Tx So. University Prez. Indicted

HOUSTON -- Former Texas Southern University President Priscilla Slade was indicted Tuesday by a grand jury following accusations she misspent hundreds of thousands of school dollars to furnish and landscape her home.

Slade, 54, was indicted on two charges of criminally misusing university money for her private benefit.

The grand jury, after a three-month investigation, also indicted three other former high-ranking TSU staffers.

University regents voted in April to dismiss Slade. An inquiry by an independent law firm found that Slade spent more than $260,000 on house-related costs.

An audit also concluded she spent nearly $650,000 over the past seven years on purchases not allowed under her contract.

Slade, who served as president of the historically black university for more than six years, has denied any wrongdoing and has filed a civil lawsuit against the school.

If convicted, Slade faces anywhere from five years of probation to life in prison, and a fine of up to $20,000. A judge set her bail at $100,000.

Slade's attorney did not immediately return a telephone call Tuesday.

Slade Indicted