ELKINS, WV—A former vice president at Fairmont State University has been sentenced to federal prison for stealing over $1.3 million from the school.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced that David A. Tamm, age 45, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 46 months in prison as a result of his convictions for embezzlement from state agency receiving federal funds and making and subscribing a false tax return for tax year 2012. U.S. District Judge Irene Keeley imposed the punishment today at a sentencing hearing in Elkins.

Tamm, a former vice president at Fairmont State University, was convicted of stealing funds from the school through the use of state-issued purchasing cards. Tamm admitted that from October of 2007 until January of 2013, he embezzled and stole funds from Fairmont State, including funds from federal education grants. Tamm, who served as chief information officer at the school, also admitted to filing a false tax return for the 2012 tax year by reporting substantially less income than he had actually received.

The court ordered Tamm to make restitution in the amount of $1,324,191.04 to Fairmont State University and $224,759 to the IRS for back takes. The court also imposed a money judgment in the amount of $639,174.33. Tamm, who is on bond, will self-report to prison next month.

The investigation revealed that Tamm purchased hundreds of computer switches with purchasing cards and then resold them for cash. The cash was then used by Tamm to purchase luxury automobiles, a $435,000 home in Bridgeport, West Virginia, and other expensive items. Tamm also used a purchasing card to acquire high-end electronics for his personal use.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew R. Cogar and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-CI, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, and the Fairmont State University Police.

If anyone has information regarding public corruption in their community they are encouraged to call the West Virginia Public Corruption Hotline at 1-855-WVA-FEDS (1-855-982-3337) or to send an e-mail to wvafeds@usdoj.gov.