Aerial View of the University of Florida Campus in Gainesville
Aerial View of the University of Florida Campus in Gainesville, Florida Google Maps

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida trustee is under scrutiny after being accused of coordinating a complex fraud scheme involving multiple institutions, according to court filings and local reporting.

Trustee James W. "Bill" Heavener allegedly orchestrated fraudulent financial operations tied to the L.A. Film School and Full Sail University, coordinating deceitful activity across campuses, the complaint claims.

Per the lawsuit, Heavener's role included directing the integration of operations between the two schools, purportedly facilitating money transfers and other financial arrangements that misled stakeholders.

Heavener, who holds a seat on UF's Board of Trustees, has not publicly responded to the allegations as of the latest reporting. Gainesville authorities and university officials have not confirmed internal steps being taken.

The allegations come amid mounting scrutiny of university governance and fiduciary accountability, particularly for individuals who serve on boards while maintaining private business interests.

If substantiated, the claims could provoke significant fallout for UF's board and raise broader questions about oversight mechanisms for trustees with external business ties.