Both physics professors, fifty-eight-year-old David Starikov and 57-year-old Abdelhak Bensaoula gave themselves up to the authorities Apr. 28. All of their charges involve the federal Small Business Innovation program, which they tapped to start their small business Integrated Micro Sensors Inc.
Starikov and Bensaoula face 21 counts of wire fraud, seven counts of making false statements, and one count of conspiracy. Apparently those false statements were made when applying for grants for their small business and in making electronic claims for payment following the receipt of contracts and grants, the Chronicle says.
Lab Quality Management Certificate
The Lab Quality Management certificate is more than training—it’s a professional advantage.
Gain critical skills and IACET-approved CEUs that make a measurable difference.
The pair was to make their first court appearance yesterday afternoon.
They could see up to 20 years for each conviction for wire fraud, five years for each conviction for making false statements, five years if convicted of conspiracy and a possible $250,000 fine for each charge.
- With files from the Houston Chronicle
