College President Faces Allegations Of Bribery Edmonds Official Allegedly Took Money From Businesses

Federal agents are investigating allegations that the president of Edmonds Community College accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes and extorted money from people doing business with the school.

An affidavit filed in support of search warrants also contends Thomas Nielsen filed false federal income-tax and state publicdisclosure records.

Nielsen, the college’s president since 1979, told reporters he is confident he can explain the financial transactions listed in the affidavit.

“I did not take bribes,” he said Friday night following a closed-door meeting with the college’s trustees. He said his dealings outside the college were “entrepreneurial.”

“Anything that has been done has not compromised my position with the college,” Nielsen said.

But he added: “I am prepared to say I should have paid a lot more attention to a public disclosure form.”

Nielsen said he planned to decide this weekend whether to request a leave of absence and will meet with the five-member board of trustees Monday morning to tell them his decision.

Even if he chooses against taking a leave, the college trustees could ask him to step down until the probe by the FBI, the IRS and the U.S. attorney’s office is complete, said board chairwoman Karen Miller.

Nielsen has not been charged with any crime. The affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, made public Friday, was used to persuade a federal magistrate to issue search warrants.

Federal agents Thursday searched Nielsen’s college office in Lynnwood, his home near Echo Falls Country Club in Snohomish, the offices of Apple Tours in downtown Seattle and of a business associate in Redmond.