OSU Investigation Reveals Former President Misused Position for Associate
Former OSU President Ted Carter misused his position to benefit a woman he was having an inappropriate relationship with, a new university investigation reveals.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — A university investigation found that former Ohio State University President Ted Carter misused his position to secure benefits for a woman with whom he was having an inappropriate relationship, according to a 47-page report released this week.
The investigation details how Carter attempted to obtain university resources for Krisanthe Vlachos, leading to his abrupt resignation last month. The university also released thousands of documents as part of the probe.
“Carter intentionally put his own interests before Ohio State’s interests when he used the authority and influence of his university position to secure benefits for Vlachos,” the report states. “Carter’s actions betrayed Ohio State’s Shared Values and violated university policy.”
Ethics Violations and State Agency Involvement
University spokesperson Ben Johnson confirmed the report has been shared with multiple state oversight agencies, including the Ohio Inspector General, Ohio Ethics Commission, Ohio Auditor of State and Ohio Attorney General.
The investigation found Carter violated Ohio Ethics law through his continued actions. The report cites the Ohio Ethics Commission’s definition of conflict of interest, which prohibits public officials from using their positions for personal gain.
“Sufficient evidence exists that Carter should have seen that Vlachos’ efforts both internal and external to the university implicated this reporting requirement because her efforts, if successful, would have resulted in misuse or misappropriation of public funds,” according to the report.
Inappropriate Relationship Details
The investigation stems from Carter’s inappropriate relationship with Vlachos, which prompted his resignation in March. Carter had served as the university’s president before stepping down amid the scandal.
The report documents how Carter leveraged his presidential authority and influence to attempt securing university resources and benefits for his personal associate. These actions constituted a clear breach of university policy and state ethics regulations.
The investigation included reviewing extensive documentation and communications related to Carter’s conduct while serving in his leadership role at the state’s flagship university.
