(April 10, 2007)—Prosecutors claimed Tuesday that Texas Southern University's ex-chief financial officer was a "partner in crime" with the school's ex-president.

Quintin Wiggins is accused of misspending more than $200,000 to buy furniture, landscaping and a home security system for now ex-president Priscilla Slade.

His trial began Tuesday in Houston and is expected to last up to one month.

But a defense attorney says Wiggins never intended to misuse public funds and he relied on what was done by his predecessors.

The defense also says Wiggins didn't benefit from the purchases and was just doing his job.

Wiggins, Slade and another ex-TSU employee were indicted for their alleged roles in the scheme.

Charges against a fourth person were dropped in February.

Slade, who was fired last summer, faces trial in August.

She has denied wrongdoing.

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