Symphony orchestra's embattled president announces resignation
(THE MED CITY BEAT) - The Rochester Symphony Orchestra is searching for a new president following the resignation of Jeffrey Amundson.
Amundson was placed on leave in January after being charged with four felony counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. He had been receiving pay until about two weeks ago when his leave status was changed to "unpaid."
The announcement comes at a critical time for the symphony, which is less than a month away from announcing its 2015/16 schedule.
Admundson, 44, is accused of taking more than $15,000 from a man who granted him power of attorney in 2004.
According to the criminal complaint, an employee from a local home care facility first reported Admundson's suspicious activity to authorities in December 2013. The employee claimed Admundson had been spending the victim's money on himself and only leaving the victim with about $20 per month.
When law enforcement officers analyzed Admundson's financial records from 2010 to 2013, they noticed a number of suspicious debit card purchases and cash withdrawals. The complaint alleges Admundson ran the victim's bank account down to zero every month, sometimes even running a deficit.
Admundson denied stealing and told investigators the victim had owed him about $20,000. He claimed to be keeping track of the money he was taking, but said he could not provide any paperwork "due to a fire which destroyed the records," the complaint notes.
Amundson had been with the orchestra since April 2011. He previously held jobs at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota the History Center of Olmsted County.
Each count against Admundson carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
His initial court appearance has been set for May 18.
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(Cover photo: Rochester Symphony Orchestra)
