The OIG investigated allegations that Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribal Police Officer Willard White stole $40,000 from the Tribe. White allegedly obtained the funds under the pretense of creating a youth diversion program but spent the money on personal purchases and did not create the program. We found the Tribe gave White $40,000 to create a youth diversion program. White, however, spent the entire amount on personal purchases, none of which supported the establishment of the proposed program.

In accordance with the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, we are submitting what we have determined to be the most significant management and performance challenges facing the U.S.

During a recent investigation into allegations that a former U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employee charged more than $14,000 in unauthorized transactions for personal gain, we learned of a U.S. Government charge/travel card (GTC) transaction review practice that could be beneficial if applied across the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). We also learned that training could help charge card reviewers at the DOI detect and prevent GTC misuse. In addition, we learned of a billing practice that makes it difficult for the Government to hold employees accountable for unresolved debts.

The OIG investigated allegations that a former U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) employee made personal purchases with his Government travel card (GTC) while he was in an absent without leave (AWOL) employment status. We confirmed the former employee used his GTC to pay his rent and car insurance and attempted to use his GTC to withdraw cash and pay his cell phone bill while AWOL. Our investigation also found the BOR lacked policy to ensure AWOL employees’ GTC accounts are suspended or cancelled. The employee was removed from Federal service.