Autism-study doctor facing grant probe

After discovering that money was missing, DASTI and Aarhus "became aware of two alleged CDC funding documents as well as a letter regarding funding commitments allegedly written by Randolph B. Williams of the CDC's procurement grants office. . . ."

"Upon investigation by CDC, a suspicion arose that those documents are forgeries."

The university's statement goes on to say that in March 2009, Thorsen resigned from its faculty.

Last month, the Copenhagen Post Online reported on the issue without naming Thorsen. The paper pegged the shortfall at 80 million kroner, about $2 million.

In Atlanta, where Thorsen is thought to live, Emory University said he began working there Sept. 1, 2003, as a part-time adjunct professor in its School of Public Health. Emory said that from April 2008 to June 2009, Thorsen "served as a full-time research professor. He is no longer employed at Emory."

"It is a sad story," wrote Melbye of the Statens Serum Institut in an e-mail. "We are all here with one big question: What has happened and why?"

Contact staff writer Josh Goldstein at 215-854-4733 or jgoldstein@phillynews.com.