A former professor who entangled the University in a major criminal case in 2005 when he misspent nearly $1 million in federal research grants was denied a motion to reduce his sentence last month – three years after it was filed.

Nabih Bedewi formerly headed the National Crash Analysis Center at the Virginia Campus and pleaded guilty in 2005 to embezzling about $1 million of federal funds. He was sentenced to 38 months in prison and ordered to pay the University $872,220.

To pay the restitution, Bedewi “liquidated all his assets . including their home and retirement and insurance policies,” forcing him to file for bankruptcy, court documents said.

Soon after his imprisonment in August 2005, Bedewi filed a legal challenge, arguing that his sentence should be reduced since GW had received some restitution from a third party. He also requested that GW refund him $721,159 and release him into home confinement so he could care for his 11-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.

A District Court judge ruled on Oct. 16 that Bedewi would remain unchanged.

“Dr. Bedewi completed his sentence some time ago, well before the court ruled on his motion to correct his sentence,” said Robert Trout, Bedewi’s atttorney. “Essentially his motion became moot at the completion of his sentence.”

Bedewi was released early for good behavior from a federal prison in Loretto, Pa., this spring, Trout said. While in prison, Bedewi had no disciplinary problems, taught adult continuing education classes and was allowed to drive outside the facility unescorted to pick up supplies for the prison, according to court documents.

Bedewi could not be reached for comment.