SLIPPERY ROCK — Former Slippery Rock University Chief of Police Michael Simmons was charged Monday with four felony counts.

Simmons is charged with theft of $23,477.33, along with other felonies of theft by deception, access device fraud and receiving stolen property. The counts were filed in the Butler County Magisterial District Court of William S. O'Donnell in Slippery Rock.

State Police were asked by the university to conduct the investigation, which uncovered several irregularities in budget funds, according to a university release.

“While we are shocked that someone in this position of authority would exhibit such behavior, I want to assure everyone that at no time were Simmons' actions any threat to the health, safety and well-being of the campus community,” SRU President William Behre said.

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