Investigative Reports

VA OIG attorney-advisors conducted two related internal investigations following allegations that a then special agent in charge in the Office of Investigations engaged in inappropriate conduct or sexual harassment that his superiors ignored and that contributed to a hostile work environment. OIG disciplinary officials determined the special agent in charge engaged in “conduct unbecoming” and should be removed from federal service. The special agent in charge retired during the 30-day advance notice period that is required before completing a removal action. The evidence did not support a charge of sexual harassment, failure to act by senior leaders, or a hostile work environment. To enhance future reporting and a safe workplace, the OIG implemented and updated directives on romantic relationships involving coworkers and sexual misconduct in addition to other responsive actions.The OIG publishes summaries of internal investigations of alleged senior personnel misconduct to promote transparency and accountability. Summary information released is consistent with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

PDC Energy, Inc., drilled and then operated a well in Colorado that removed Federal minerals without first obtaining a Federal lease or drilling permit.

PDC Energy, Inc., drilled and then operated a well in Colorado that removed Federal minerals without first obtaining a Federal lease or drilling permit.

Tyler Deandre Johnson, a resident of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty on November 15, 2022, in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, to one count fraud and related activity in connection with access devices and one count aggravated identity theft. Johnson is a co-conspirator with Darius Lopez, another defendant in the case, who previously pleaded guilty to fraud and related activity in connection with access devices. This investigation is being conducted jointly with the GSA Office of Inspector General.

We investigated an allegation that an NPS supervisor improperly approved a request from a subordinate to receive pay after being suspended.

An Amtrak Assistant Foreman based in New York, violated company policy when he engaged in outside employment while on a medical leave of absence. In addition, on April 5, 2022, he falsified a Railroad Retirement Board application for sickness benefits by stating he had no income. The employee was terminated after his disciplinary hearing on November 9, 2022.

On November 7, 2022, an Amtrak coach cleaner, based in Miami, Florida, signed a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, and agreed to pay $21,999 in restitution and a $5,000 penalty. Our investigation found that the employee submitted an application that contained false statements and information to obtain a Payroll Protection Program loan for a business that did not exist, resulting in the receipt of funds to which he was not entitled.

On November 4, 2022, an Amtrak motor equipment operator, based in Miami, Florida, signed a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, and agreed to pay $22,904 in restitution and a $6,000 penalty. Our investigation found that the employee submitted a fraudulent application to obtain a Payroll Protection Program loan for a business that did not exist, resulting in the receipt of funds to which he was not entitled.

An Amtrak electrician based in Chicago, Illinois, was terminated from employment on October 19, 2022, after our investigation found that the employee violated company policies by misusing a company-owned computer and misusing company time, which included outside business activities. We also found that the former employee violated company policy by not attending to his daily required duties.

An Amtrak Supervisor based in Hamilton, New Jersey, violated company policy bymisusing his company-owned vehicle by regularly stopping at bars and restaurants onhis way home from work and by not keeping this vehicle at an approved location.During his interview with the OIG, the employee admitted to using the vehicle forpersonal use. The employee was terminated after his disciplinary hearing on October17, 2022.

On October 11, 2022, an Amtrak pipe fitter based in Miami, Florida, signed a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, and agreed to pay $10,000 in restitution and a $5,000 penalty. Our investigation found that the employee submitted an application that contained false statements and information to the Small Business Administration in order to qualify for a CARES Act Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance, resulting in the receipt of funds to which he was not entitled.

On October 11, 2022, an Amtrak coach cleaner based in Miami, Florida, signed a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, and agreed to pay $10,000 in restitution and a $5,000 penalty. Our investigation found that the employee submitted an application that contained false statements and information to the Small Business Administration in order to qualify for a CARES Act Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance.

An Amtrak Maintainer based in Newark, New Jersey, and a Trainer based in Sunnyside, New York, were terminated after their disciplinary hearings on October 4, 2022. The two former employees conspired with another employee, Keith Kovaleski, to sell misbranded and unapproved new drugs. The Maintainer violated company policies by ordering misbranded and/or unapproved new drugs from Kovaleski’s company, All American Peptide (AAP), and by accepting shipments of these products on behalf of Kovaleski. The Trainer violated company policies by regularly ordering misbranded and/or unapproved new drugs from AAP and reselling them to the public. Kovaleski, an Assistant Foreman based in New York, is currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty on March 21, 2022, to selling misbranded and unapproved new drugs. The two former employees are ineligible for rehire.