Misused public fundsOversight & ethics enforcement

Idaho legislative audit says ISU paid $853,700 to Bannock County without support for a forensic pathology center that was never built

Confidence: Confirmed · 2 sourcesIdaho · Oct 13, 2026

Subject of this story

Idaho State University

Also named

Oversight

Idaho Office of the Attorney General

Idaho Legislative Services Office Audits Division

What happened

An Idaho Legislative Services Office audit published Aug. 12, 2025 found Idaho State University paid an $853,700 Bannock County invoice, from a $900,000 2022 appropriation for an Eastern Idaho Forensic Pathology Center, that was not supported by evidence of allowable expenses and appeared directed to avoid reverting unspent funds to the state. Auditors said the investigation was too limited to determine malfeasance, and facts that may indicate misappropriation were to be referred to the Attorney General. The money was returned to the state treasury; ISU said it takes responsibility for not maintaining stricter oversight and has created an appropriation tracking team. Idaho Capital Sun reported in August 2025 that the Attorney General's office had not said whether it would investigate.

Sources (2)

Limited Scope Financial Investigation: Idaho State University (Legislative Services Office Audits Division, Aug. 12, 2025)ISU paid an invoice for $853,700 from Bannock County that was not supported by evidence of allowable expenses and appeared to have been directed and submitted to avoid reverting unspent general funds to the State of Idaho, as required.

Idaho Capital SunA legislative audit found that Idaho State University likely misused funds intended for a never-realized forensic pathology center in Pocatello.

Response

Idaho State University

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

I saw an update

Take action →