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NIC Financial Aid Director arrested

Crime

NIC Financial Aid Director arrested

Former Financial Aid Director of North Idaho College was detained Wednesday after suspicion that he had offered grant money to students in exchange for sexual favors, among other felonies. 

Coeur d’Alene Police Detectives arrested Joseph M. Bekken, 36, for suspicion of attempted misuse of public funds, attempted procurement of prostitution, burglary, using a computer in a scheme to defraud and bribery.

On Feb. 2, 2015, NIC School Resource Officer Gus Wessel was alerted by the FBI about a post on Craigslist in the casual encounters section. The post talked about a proposition for grant money in exchange for sexual favors from NIC students. After a three week investigation with full cooperation from NIC’s administrative team it was determined that Bekken posted the ads.

Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White said Wessel worked closely with the college and law enforcement to investigate the incident.

“The relationship between the police department and North Idaho College has proven extremely valuable to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus and the community as a whole,” White said.

In an official statement, North Idaho College President Joe Dunlap said Bekken is no longer an employee at the college and that NIC has cooperated fully with law enforcement.

“I am grateful for the knowledge and training of our staff that resulted in a swift and decisive response to this incident,” Dunlap said.

Dunlap said the college’s emphasis on compliance with Title IX training requirements for all employees, in combination with the work of Wessel, helped NIC respond to the situation “promptly and proactively.”

Assistant Financial Aid Director Stephanie House has stepped in as the Financial Aid Director for the interim.

Bekken is in custody at the Kootenai County Public Safety Building.

This incident remains under investigation.

Taylor Nadauld is the Lead Reporter for the Sentinel. This is her third semester at NIC where she is pursuing an A.S. degree in Journalism.

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