Jan 29, 2015 2 min read

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Liberty University President Robin Capehart faces allegations he violated state ethics law by using university resources to promote his film company.

The allegations are contained in a statement of charges released Wednesday by the West Virginia Ethics Commission, which has scheduled an April 16 hearing. The commission’s Probable Cause Review Board found probable cause for the allegations on Jan. 21, the document states.

Capehart denied the allegations in a statement issued to media outlets Wednesday.

“For three years ago, these allegations have been vigorously and thoroughly refuted through sworn affidavits, meticulously supported by documentary evidence. Each and every allegation has been categorically denied and has been presented to resolve these frivolous accusations,” Capehart said.

The 13-count statement of charges alleges Capehart used a state purchasing card for expenses related to promoting “Doughboy,” a 2011 movie produced by his company, Flyover Films. Capehart, who was the film’s executive producer, also is accused of using university computer equipment for the film’s production and promotion, and of using the school’s television station to promote the film.

Capehart also had an interest in contracts between the university and Kristen Seibert, who was hired in January 2010 as a temporary employee to produce a show for West Liberty’s television station. In November 2010, Seibert and Capehart began a business relationship to produce and promote movies, according to the statement of charges.

West Liberty later hired Seibert as a part-time business manager for its TV station and entered into an agreement with her to provide consulting services. In March 2012, Seibert worked on behalf of Flyover Films while working for the university, the document states.

Seibert was asked to resign after an ethics complaint that prompted the investigation was filed in March 2012. In return for her resignation, Capehart promised her future employment at West Liberty, the document states.

West Liberty’s Board of Governors said in a statement issued Wednesday night that it is aware of the investigation.

“The Board will take any necessary actions when appropriate and in consultation with West Liberty University Legal Counsel,” the board said.

Capehart has served as West Liberty’s president since 2007. He was a candidate for governor in 2004 and previously served as state tax commissioner and chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.