The OIG investigated allegations that a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) law enforcement officer stole Government property from the wildlife refuge where he was assigned, to include lawn maintenance equipment, furniture, and ammunition. The complainant also alleged that the officer’s spouse offered to sell them the stolen Government ammunition. We found no evidence that the officer stole Government property, nor did we corroborate that his spouse offered to sell Government ammunition to anyone. We reviewed refuge records and property and confirmed that no property was missing.

The OIG investigated an allegation that a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contract specialist misused his assigned Government charge card. We determined that Matthew Wathen embezzled over $26,000 through unauthorized personal use of his Government charge card, including weekly lodging, monthly rental cars, dining, gasoline, vacations, and other expenses. Wathen resigned from his USGS position and pleaded guilty to one count of theft of Government funds in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

The OIG investigated allegations of mismanagement from students, faculty, and administrators at Haskell Indian Nations University (Haskell) against the Haskell President. The complaints included allegations that the Haskell President and other university officials mishandled misconduct complaints, and that the Haskell President bullied employees, committed nepotism for the benefit of a family member, and showed favoritism towards a subordinate employee.

The OIG investigated allegations that a Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) manager reprised against a BSEE employee for engaging in protected activities. We found that the employee engaged in the protected activities and that the manager knew of the complaints made to our office and to the Equal Employment Opportunity Office when the personnel actions were taken.

The OIG investigated allegations that a Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) manager violated Federal procurement laws and regulations by improperly influencing recommendations made by procurement source selection committees and by inflating Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs).