Man accused of running fraud scheme targeting Atlanta-based CDC

Poul Thorsen Poul Thorsen, a former influential scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was extradited Thursday from Germany with U.S. Air Marshals.

By Miles Montgomery

ATLANTA — A Danish researcher accused of running a multi-year fraud scheme to cheat the Atlanta-based Centers For Disease Control And Prevention pleaded guilty in Atlanta federal court on Tuesday.

Officials say Poul Thorsen admitted to stealing more than $1 million worth of grant money from the CDC that was awarded for autism research overseas.

Earlier this year, Thorsen was extradited to the U.S. Officials say he was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia 15 years ago.

He is scheduled to be sentenced in December.

This is a developing story. Stay with WSB Radio News for updates.