OIG investigated allegations that the United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds (UMWAF) was not adhering to Federal law and regulations concerning three federally supported health benefit plans. According to the allegations, the UMWAF enrolled beneficiaries in the combined benefit fund (CBF) after the enrollment cutoff date and inflated the beneficiary numbers by retaining deceased beneficiaries in its records.

OIG investigated discrepancies identified after the National Park Service (NPS) conducted an electronic audit of the fee collection software at the Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO), located in eastern Arizona, which compared cash collected at the park with cash deposits made into the bank. Our investigation determined that from approximately 2010 through March 2016, Sharon Baldwin, Supervisory Visitor Use Assistant, exploited vulnerabilities in the NPS remittance process at PEFO and stole approximately $313,000 in fees collected at the park.

OIG investigated allegations that an Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) employee stole government equipment and committed time and attendance fraud. We determined the employee stole two stereoscopes and a mapping tool from OSMRE and that the equipment was obsolete and valued at approximately $150. The employee admitted she had the items in her possession, and without authorization. She said she later donated the property to a charity. We did not substantiate the allegation of time and attendance fraud. The U.S.

OIG investigated allegations that a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) employee improperly used a BIA purchase card to purchase speakers, headphones, and electronic tablets. Prior to any significant involvement by our office, we learned that BIA had already investigated the matter and confirmed that two employees inappropriately purchased and gave to colleagues eight headphones and two wireless speakers, totaling $2,931.92. One of the employees also used his personal funds to improperly purchase five tablet computers at a discounted rate through a BIA contract.

OIG investigated allegations that an oil and gas company improperly claimed royalty suspension under the Deepwater Royalty Relief Act of 1995, and failed to pay mineral royalties associated with an offshore Federal lease. We determined the company was eligible for royalty relief but was required to pay royalties once it reached the royalty free production limit established for the Federal lease.