CSUN seeks financial probe

The president of Cal State Northridge has asked campus police to investigate a former employee accused of “questionable financial dealings,” according to a news release.

Shirley Bowens, a longtime advisor in the Office of International Programs, was placed on administrative leave last summer during an internal investigation of a June complaint of financial “irregularities” and has since retired, authorities said. An outside investigator was enlisted in the fall, leading to President Jolene Koester’s decision Tuesday to call in police.

“The in-depth investigation raises the possibility of criminal wrongdoing. I thus turned over the matter to law enforcement for criminal investigation,” Koester said.

Police Chief Anne P. Glavin said the allegations involve a “significant” amount of money, and if true, could lead to felony charges. Bowens could not be reached for comment.

-- Gale Holland