x
Breaking News
More () »

How an Iowa hospital worker got caught stealing and selling computers

A state audit explains how a former employee got caught selling and giving away computers that belonged to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Brian Manary photo from Johnson County Jail

A state audit explains how a former employee got caught selling and giving away computers that belonged to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Brian Manary was charged in 2013 with theft and ongoing criminal conduct. A hospital spokesman confirmed Manary was accused of keeping money he made selling dozens of computers that belonged to the hospital, while he worked in the UIHC information technology department.

When the thefts were discovered, Manary was fired in June 2013.

A special investigation by the Iowa State Auditor’s office said the hospital lost more than $57,000 worth of equipment that Manary sold to staff members and others.

“Because sufficient information was not available to match some equipment sold by Mr. Manary to the original purchase by UIHC, the amount identified is conservative,” said a report issued by the state auditor’s office.

Some of the computers were supposed to be disposed of or held as surplus by the hospital. Some of the computers were sold shortly after they were received by the hospital, the report said.

The thefts reportedly happened when Manary worked for UIHC between January 2005 and June 2013.

The report said Manary’s scheme began to unravel when a woman tried to get technical support from the manufacturer for a laptop computer he gave her for Christmas. That’s when she found out the computer was registered to the hospital, and her request to transfer that ownership was denied.

When the woman confronted Manary, he bought and gave her a replacement. Two of the woman’s family members also had computers provided by Manary, and he reportedly became anxious about getting those computers back as well.

The woman was suspicious and reported her concerns to the hospital

The audit report made several recommendations to the hospital for improving records and inventory control.

Court records show Manary pleaded guilty in the case March 11, 2014 and he was scheduled to be sentenced May 5.

Read the full audit report – click here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out