TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An outside audit of the Kansas Bioscience Authority and the computer used by its former president has found evidence of document destruction, misuse of funds and policy violations on more than $570,000 in expenditures.
Investigators from BKD Forensics and Valuations Services released their findings Monday of the dealings by former KBA president Tom Thornton.
The investigators said Thornton misled the agency’s board about a trip he took for a job interview with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on the pretext of talking about the KBA business model.
Thornton resigned under pressure to take a job with the clinic in April 2011, amid growing scrutiny of the KBA and his activities by legislators and Gov. Sam Brownback.
The authority was created in 2004 to invest in growing bioscience business.
In a statement, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback was clearly unhappy.
"“The facts brought forth by the audit are deeply troubling. This is not how we do business in the State of Kansas.
“I urge the KBA board of directors to issue a moratorium on new spending and new commitments until the Kansas Legislature decides what kind of future the state wants for the KBA."
