UI Machine Shop Manager is charged with diverting around $950,000

Iowa City, Iowa – The results of a special investigation by the State Auditor show that the machine shop manager for the University of Iowa’s Department of Physics and Astronomy deposited about $950,000 into his personal accounts that should have gone to the UI’s account.

In accordance with university regulations, Brian Busch neglected to notify the university of his ownership in D3Signtech (D3T), according to the auditor Rob Sand’s report. Officials from the university were also informed that Busch might have transferred money from the UI to his company by using personnel and resources from the university.

On September 17, 2021, Busch was placed on administrative leave.

$943,634.97 was deposited into Busch’s personal bank accounts or his Stripe account, according to Sand’s special probe. The $943,634.97 was paid by the industrial components marketplace Xometry for tasks D3T finished with personnel and resources from the University of Iowa. The monies that Xometry provided should have been placed into the university’s bank account because UI personnel and equipment were utilized.

Additionally, $6,313.39 in inappropriate personal purchases made by Busch using his procurement card from the University of Iowa and $136.38 in unsupported disbursements relating to shipping expenses made on university accounts were found in Sand’s analysis.