Ex-USU exec pleads not guilty

LOGAN — A former Utah State University official accused of improperly awarding $190,000 in scholarships to family members has pleaded not guilty.

Jennifer Putnam Twiss, 34, of North Logan entered the plea Monday in 1st District Court. She faces charges of theft, forgery and unlawful dealing of property by a fiduciary.

School officials say Twiss was fired from her job as executive director of enrollment services in March after an internal audit revealed irregularities. Charges were filed in July.

Police say family members were aware the funds had been wrongfully appropriated between 2004 and 2012.

Charging documents say Twiss also took $36,000 in cash between January 2009 and October 2010.

— Associated Press