St. John's University fundraiser charged in $1 theft

Prosecutors have charged a longtime fundraiser at St. John's University with stealing more than $1 million.

Prosecutors said the money paid for casino trips, meals at restaurants, shopping at Victoria's Secret and for the suspect's son's tuition at St. John's Law School.

Cecilia Chang of Jamaica Estates, Queens, faced arraignment Wednesday on a 205-count indictment accusing her of grand larceny, forgery and other charges. She was suspended by the university in September 2009.

Attorney Todd Greenberg said his client denies any wrongdoing and insisted all the money was used for the benefit of the university.

St. John's says it referred the case to prosecutors following an internal investigation in March. The university says it is reviewing policies and procedures to identify "weaknesses."