The college, in a statement released by spokeswoman Eileen Shute, said Thursday that it had provided the records to the prosecutor but declined further comment "in keeping with board policy regarding matters of personnel or litigation."
In his letter, dated Wednesday, Davis wrote that "while I offer this resignation with some trepidation, I focus on all of the achievement and accomplishment over the last four years. I had the opportunity to embark upon an enormous opportunity, worked with some of the most prolific leaders and faculty and staff in our business, and had the opportunity to lead one of our country's best county college's anywhere."
"To the faculty, students, staff and board, I offer my sincerest appreciation for having had the opportunity. I wish you the best in the selection of the next leader of the institution, as I will always have a part of GCC with me wherever I go," he wrote.
State Sen. Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester), former county freeholder director, recalled a debate at the time Davis was hired about "some questions of his past" related to financial issues when he was in Maryland.
Sweeney supported him at the time, he said Thursday, because "I was a big believer of people having a second chance in life."
Davis was removed in 1998 as interim executive director of the Bowie State University Foundation for fund-raising after allegedly borrowing about $3,800 without authorization from a nonprofit foundation where he had worked earlier, according to published news reports.
He also resigned from his position as vice president of student and academic services at Bowie amid accusations that he lied about receiving a master's degree and doctorate in education, the news reports said.
Sweeney wasn't familiar with the current allegations but said Davis has done a good job. "I was a big fan of Russell's," he said.
