After investigating conflict of interest concerns involving the former director of Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, State Auditor Mary Mosiman has identified $324,816 in diverted collections and improper and unsupported disbursements.
According to an investigative report made public Tuesday, Roger McEowen diverted $280,170.83 into his personal and business bank accounts, including proceeds from textbook sales and payments for conference and seminar presentations.
Another $43,612.98 in improper Iowa State disbursements included excess vacation expenses and improper vacation payout; payment to McEowen on days he presented on behalf of his private company at conferences and seminars; and exaggerated or inappropriate travel expenses.
The audit found the university and the center involved in this case “do not attempt to verify the information provided by the employees is complete or accurate. They, instead, rely on an employee’s ethics to properly disclose all potential conflicts.
He also scheduled summer conferences across the country for the Iowa State center, “which was established to address the needs of Iowans.”
“As a result, it is unclear what benefit is provided by the conferences held outside Iowa,” according to the report.
Iowa State staff said McEowen was behind the summer events, which were to be held in “luxurious resorts across the country.”
“Staff reported the expenses for the two-day seminars are quite high and the attendance numbers are generally low,” according to the report.
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/n...-diverted-improperly-pocketed-324816-20160920
According to an investigative report made public Tuesday, Roger McEowen diverted $280,170.83 into his personal and business bank accounts, including proceeds from textbook sales and payments for conference and seminar presentations.
Another $43,612.98 in improper Iowa State disbursements included excess vacation expenses and improper vacation payout; payment to McEowen on days he presented on behalf of his private company at conferences and seminars; and exaggerated or inappropriate travel expenses.
The audit found the university and the center involved in this case “do not attempt to verify the information provided by the employees is complete or accurate. They, instead, rely on an employee’s ethics to properly disclose all potential conflicts.
He also scheduled summer conferences across the country for the Iowa State center, “which was established to address the needs of Iowans.”
“As a result, it is unclear what benefit is provided by the conferences held outside Iowa,” according to the report.
Iowa State staff said McEowen was behind the summer events, which were to be held in “luxurious resorts across the country.”
“Staff reported the expenses for the two-day seminars are quite high and the attendance numbers are generally low,” according to the report.
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/n...-diverted-improperly-pocketed-324816-20160920
