Ethics panel investigates former OSU treasurer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A state ethics panel is investigating a former Ohio State University treasurer who admitted to auditors probing his work at the school that he accepted at least one free golf outing from a vendor.

David Freel, director of the Ohio Ethics Commission, confirmed the investigation of James Nichols but would not provide details.

The commission has jurisdiction to investigate public employees who receive gifts from those with whom they do business, Freel said.

Nichols told auditors hired by Ohio State last year that between 2004 and 2006 he played several rounds of golf with vendors, and that he didn’t pay for a round with a Lehman Brothers representative. Nichols said he knew it was illegal to accept free golf from vendors, the audit said.