Former U of I employee charged with theft, officials say he stole nearly $1 million

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.

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.

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