(Des Moines, Iowa) – Auditor of State Rob Sand today (Wednesday) released a report on a special investigation of the University of Iowa (University), Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (Department), for the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2023. The special investigation was requested by University officials as a result of concerns regarding certain financial transactions processed by a member of the Department, Dr. Calvin Carter, and Charles Searby with the Department of Pediatrics. As a result, the University placed Dr. Carter on paid administrative leave effective October 11, 2023. Dr. Carter was a
Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology professor and participated in research for the Department at the time he was placed on administrative leave. Charles Searby is a Research Specialist with the Department of Pediatrics. (View the full report here: SUI – Neuro Report)

Sand reported the special investigation identified $294,913.41 of improper disbursements which included $3,182.40 of federal question costs, and $7,257.13 of unsupported disbursements. The $3,182.40 of question costs identified includes $2,928.30 of purchases for Laboratory and Technology, $31.79 of purchases for Software, and $222.31 of purchases for Other. The $291,731.01 of improper disbursements identified includes $128,463.98 of purchases for Animal and Care, $82,252.39 of payments for Legal, $51,222.76 of purchases for Laboratory and Technology, $12,597.57 of purchases for Software, $11,619.97 of purchases for Consulting and Membership, and $5,574.34 of other purchases.

The $7,257.13 of unsupported disbursements identified includes $5,401.27 of purchases for Laboratory and Technology, $225.72 of purchases for Animal and Care, $275.46 of purchases for Software, and $1,354.68 of other purchases. The report includes a recommendation for University officials to continue to improve and communicate the disclosure requirements related to conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment. The report also includes a recommendation that University officials implement procedures to ensure sufficient documentation and explanations are provided to verify the propriety of charges.

Copies of the report have been filed with the Iowa Board of Regents’ Office of Internal Audit, the University of Iowa’s Department of Public Safety, the Division of Criminal Investigation, the Johnson
County Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office. A copy of the report is available for review on the Auditor of State’s website at Special Interest Reports.