Greenville Businessman Morin Sentenced in NSF Grant Theft

COLUMBIA, SC – Brian Morin, 47, of Greenville, South Carolina, is feeling the heat after being sentenced for systematically ripping off the National Science Foundation. The businessman pleaded guilty to theft of government funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, and now faces three years of probation and a hefty $5,000 fine.

The scheme revolved around Morin’s former company, Innegrity LLC, which received a research grant from the NSF. As part of the grant agreement, Morin was obligated to accurately report the hours worked on the project. Federal investigators quickly discovered a gaping discrepancy between the company’s internal records and the figures Morin submitted to the Foundation – a clear indication of deliberate deception.

According to court documents presented during the guilty plea hearing, Morin inflated the hours worked, essentially padding the bill to the NSF and pocketing funds he wasn’t entitled to. The specifics of the research itself remain largely obscured, but the motive is painfully clear: greed. Morin knowingly misrepresented the effort expended to fraudulently continue receiving research dollars.

“This individual significantly inflated the amount of time and effort he and other company personnel spent on a Small Business Innovation Research Program award so that he could continue to fraudulently receive National Science Foundation funds intended to conduct innovative research,” stated National Science Foundation Inspector General Allison Lerner. “The strong support of the U.S. Attorney’s office was instrumental in leading to today’s sentencing, which can serve as a deterrent to anyone who seeks to lie to obtain scarce research dollars.”

While three years’ probation and a $5,000 fine may seem a light sentence for defrauding a federal agency, prosecutors hope it sends a message. The case was spearheaded by Assistant United States Attorneys T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office and Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office, who meticulously built a case based on the financial discrepancies. Contact T. DeWayne Pearson at (803) 929-3000 for further details.

This isn’t just about money; it’s about trust. The NSF funds vital research, and individuals like Morin erode public confidence when they prioritize personal gain over scientific advancement. The Grimy Times will continue to track white-collar criminals who prey on public resources, ensuring accountability and exposing the rot beneath the surface.