SIU-Edwardsville worker accused of fraud

EDWARDSVILLE -- A federal grand jury has accused a man of making personal use of federal grant money while working for Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Thirty-nine-year-old Korey Rush of Swansea is charged with wire fraud and misapplication of funds from programs receiving federal funds. He's also accused of obstructing justice by tampering with a grand jury witness.

Rush has been the university's assistant program director in its federally funded East St. Louis program for disadvantaged students.

The indictment alleges that he used grants in 2007 to buy gift cards, electronics, alcohol, groceries and other items. He's also accused of urging a family friend to lie to investigators.

Rush couldn't be reached for comment because his home phone number is unlisted. Court records don't indicate if he has an attorney.