Security Company Leaves University Abruptly After Allegedly Being Owed Thousands
Champion National Security says the university owes them more than $190,000. Despite efforts to try and set up a payment plan, the company said communication went cold with SAU.
- By Sherelle Black
- September 24, 2019
Champion National Security, a company that was employed by St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina, walked off the campus on Thursday leaving some wondering who is going to secure the campus.
CNS executives told ABC 11 they told their 12 officers to leave due to university owing them more than $190,000. The company had been providing the university services since 2018 with officers patrolling dorms, administrative offices and more around campus.
However, SAU Director of Communications Kimberly Williams told the outlet those allegations are not true.
"We have not at any point put our students at risk," Williams said to ABC11. "We do not owe them $190,000 and beyond that, we are not commenting on our payment terms as we wouldn't with any other vendor."
According to CBS17, the university admitted to owing Champion but said the amount is not $190,000.
Sources also the news station the company tried to come up with a payment plan, but three weeks ago the school allegedly stopping the weekly payments to the officers.
ABC 11 said the university has outstanding debts and liabilities worth nearly $1 million. Some of the debts include $300,000 for roof repairs this summer and about $500,000 to Hughes Company, Inc., a Georgia-based construction company.
SAU, which is a Historically Black College and University, said it would be using the St. Augustine Police Department for security.
ABC 11 previously reported that the university almost lost its accreditation because of financial issues.
About the Author
Sherelle Black is a Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.