Nicole Chambers, the former office manager of Dartmouth College’s student newspaper, has been given a 15-month prison sentence for embezzling more than $223,000 from the publication over a span of four years. Chambers, 41, appeared in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire, where she was also ordered to undergo three years of supervised release and repay the stolen funds. She admitted to committing wire fraud in April as part of a plea deal.
As the office manager of The Dartmouth from 2012 to 2021, a nonprofit newspaper operated by student volunteers and supported by advertising, donations, and investments, Chambers wielded control over the publication’s bank account, PayPal, Venmo, and debit card. Prosecutors revealed that from 2017 to 2021, Chambers diverted money from the newspaper to her own accounts, using it for personal expenses like travel, accommodations, and even legal fees for her spouse.
After resigning from her position in September 2021, Chambers found herself the subject of U.S. Attorney Jane Young’s condemnation, who labeled the offense as an act fueled by “greed.” The misappropriation of funds severely impacted The Dartmouth and its staff, with former Editor-in-Chief Kyle Khan-Mullins expressing disappointment in a statement.
At court, Chambers’ attorney, Jaye Rancourt, sought a six-month home confinement followed by probation, arguing that this would allow Chambers to seek employment to repay the money. Rancourt emphasized Chambers’ lack of prior criminal history and highlighted her untreated mental health struggles at the time of the crimes. Chambers also conveyed her regret in a statement presented during the hearing.