Slashdot Mirror
Researcher Jailed for Falsifying Research
Caldeso writes "For the first time in U.S. history, a researcher has received jail time for falsifying research data to obtain federal grants. Eric Poehlman pled guilty to defrauding the government to the tune of nearly 3 million dollars by changing and making up research and was sentenced to a year in a federal prison work camp and a lifetime ban on further federal grants."
The slashdot summary is not only inaccurate, but libelous. By the article, he pleaded guilty to one $542,000 grant. So, he's only been found legally accountable for that amount, not the $2.9 million claimed by the prosecution:
In an agreement with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty in connection with one $542,000 grant; the government said he defrauded federal agencies out of $2.9 million.
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Its not 3 million that goes into their own pocket. While a 3 million dollar research budget is a nice chunk of change for a project, its not like it goes into the researcher's personal account or can be used for personal gain. Grant funds are closely watched as to what is charged to them. Illegitimate spending from grant money is another great way to lose funding.
Besides, after getting caught, any remaining money left in that budget would be confiscated as well. Plus, this probably means the end of his career, especially considering he'll never eligable for future grants. NOT worth it IMHO (especially as someone who has spent time as a researcher).
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