A former University of Iowa employee pleaded guilty to theft and fraud after an investigation by the state auditor's office revealed that he had diverted nearly $1 million in revenue from the school's physics and astronomy workshop.

Brian Busch pleaded guilty to first-degree theft for deceiving labor, services or property in excess of $10,000 and first-degree fraudulent practice for altering or making a false data entry in excess of $10,000. He will also pay the University of Iowa nearly $175,000 in restitution as part of his plea agreement, according to court documents.

State Auditor Rob Sand released a 300-page audit in September 2024 that detailed the lengthy investigation into Busch's management of the physics and astronomy workshop. The audit identified $943,635 improperly deposit

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