File photo of St. Catherine University in St. Paul. (FOX 9)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The former dean of nursing at St. Catherine’s University, **accused of swindling over $400,000** from the institution, has officially entered a guilty plea.
The Guilty Plea: A Staggering Betrayal
Laura Jean Fero, age 55, faced charges in May 2024 linked to **six counts of felony theft by swindle**. In a surprising turn of events, court documents reveal that Fero entered a **guilty plea to one count**, with prosecutors agreeing to drop the remaining charges in exchange. This plea agreement stipulates that she will pay **$25,000 in restitution** and serve a stayed sentence of **up to three years of probation**. However, the case isn’t over; Ramsey County prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek an **aggravated sentencing**, with Fero slated for sentencing on **June 11**.
Notably, Juan Bruce, her romantic partner, faced similar charges but was acquitted by a jury in July.
Inside the Criminal Complaint: How It All Unraveled
The backdrop to this scandal is equally gripping. In **November 2023**, university officials reported suspicions of embezzlement by Fero, who was serving as the dean of nursing at the time. Evidence suggests that during her tenure, Fero engaged in **fraudulent contracts** with Bruce and his company, JB and Associates LLC, while in a personal relationship with him.
Financial Mismanagement and Misappropriation
Authorities allege that Fero funneled university funds to Bruce, who provided **minimal services** in return. Furthermore, JB and Associates LLC posed as a marketing firm designed to **divert university funds**. Court records highlight shocking figures: between **August 2020 and November 2022**, the university issued **three contracts** with Bruce, resulting in **six payments totaling $412,644**.
Compromised Integrity: Personal Interests Collide with Professional Ethics
According to the criminal complaint, Fero actively participated in creating misleading reports to justify Bruce’s contracts. In an alarming display of compromised ethics, she purportedly crafted a document detailing the services provided, which was later submitted to the university. Investigations revealed that she also took lavish trips with Bruce, submitting expenses for airfare, rental cars, hotels, and parking to the university, leading to the discovery of **over $18,000 in illegitimate charges** and **$8,000 in questionable ones**.
In **August 2023**, Fero left the university for Florida, but her decisions would catch up with her. She was arrested in **May 2024** upon arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport from Orlando, marking an end to her elaborate deception.
A Disturbing Rationalization
Fero’s defense contains a perplexing rationalization; she reportedly claimed that she met Bruce on a dating website and believed that the university’s **conflict of interest policy** applied only to married individuals. This statement underscores a troubling disregard for the ethical standards expected from someone in her position.
The Source: Court documents filed in Ramsey County court against Laura Jean Fero and previous FOX 9 reporting.
