IOWA CITY, Iowa — A former machine shop manager at the University of Iowa who State Auditor Rob Sand said collected nearly $1 million that should have gone to the school has been charged in the case.
Court records show charges of first-degree theft, tampering with records, ongoing criminal conduct, and fraudulent practice were filed against Brian Busch in Johnson County on Thursday.
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According to the State Auditor’s report, Busch used university staff and equipment to complete work for his personal business. He’s accused of collecting more than $940,000 between 2017 and 2021.
In announcing his findings last week , Sand also warned a similar investigation is also underway.
“This is at least the fourth report issued by our office since 2017 involving conflicts of interest by university staff and the University of Iowa, a fifth is in the works,” said Sand.
After suspecting wrongdoing, the university placed Busch on paid leave in 2021. He was allowed to continue drawing a salary for roughly three years until his firing last month.