Lang
9/4/24
Iowa auditor Rob Sand has released a 305 page report on alleged misappropriation of almost $1 million from the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department.
The investigation stems from allegations that a member of the Department, Brian Busch, failed to disclose his ownership of D3Signtech (D3T) in compliance with the University’s Conflicts of Interest and Commitment policy. University officials were also made aware of the possibility Busch may have used University assets and staff to divert revenue from the University to his personal business. As a result, the UI placed Busch on paid administrative leave effective September 17, 2021. Busch was the Department’s Machine Shop Manager at the time he was placed on administrative leave.
Sand reported the special investigation identified $943,634.97 was deposited into Busch’s personal bank accounts or to a Stripe account held by Busch. The money was received from Xometry for jobs Busch’s company, D3T, completed using University staff and equipment. Because UI staff and equipment was used, the money received from Xometry should have been deposited to the University’s bank account.
In addition, Sand says he identified $6,313.39 of improper personal purchases Busch made with his University issued procurement card (Pcard). The procedures also identified $136.38 of unsupported disbursements related to shipping charges made on University accounts.
A copy of the report can be found at https://www.auditor.iowa.gov/reports/file/77540.pdf.