FAU Director Resigned After Fraudulent Payout
Jennifer Percival admitted to falsifying documents to secure funds from the Jeffrey Epstein Victims Compensation Program.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Jennifer Percival has resigned from her role as director of the FAU Center of Autism and Related Disabilities following a federal guilty plea. She admitted to using fabricated documents to obtain $750,000 from the Jeffrey Epstein Victims Compensation Program.
Why it matters
The case highlights the exploitation of compensation funds established for victims of the late financier. Percival attempted to obstruct the subsequent federal investigation by having her legal counsel submit additional false evidence to prosecutors.
Percival pleaded guilty in federal court and is currently released from custody pending sentencing. She faces a potential prison term of three to four years under federal guidelines.
The players
Jennifer Percival
She is the former director of the FAU Center of Autism and Related Disabilities who served the university for 12 years.
Florida Atlantic University
This is the public university based in Boca Raton where Percival held her leadership role for over a decade.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The domestic intelligence and security service of the United States that investigated the fraudulent documentation.
The details
Percival submitted an altered eligibility letter to trigger the $750,000 payment in May 2024. After being interviewed by FBI agents in 2025, she further directed her attorney to submit fabricated emails to the U.S. Attorney's Office to attempt to defer prosecution.
Timeline
May 2024: Percival received $750,000 from the compensation program.
2025: FBI agents interviewed Percival regarding the fraudulent documents.
September 14, 2026: Percival entered a federal guilty plea.
September 17, 2026: Percival resigned from her position at Florida Atlantic University.
Legal Context
The prosecution of this case follows recent efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Jeffrey Epstein Victims Compensation Program against fraudulent claims. Such criminal filings reinforce the strict oversight required for federal restitution funds established following the death of high-profile defendants.
The resignation of a department head at a major public institution like Florida Atlantic University impacts internal governance and community trust. Local residents should be aware that investigations of this nature often lead to enhanced scrutiny of institutional grant management and administrative ethics.
The takeaway
The case serves as a reminder of the rigorous oversight protocols applied to federal compensation distributions. Those attempting to bypass institutional verification processes face severe legal consequences that extend beyond the initial act of fraud.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations and Financial Crime cases in our dedicated reporting section.
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