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Former USGS Employee Convicted of Embezzling Federal Funds

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number
16-0717
Report Type
Investigation
Component
U.S. Geological Survey
Description
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. He was sentenced to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $26,350.
Joint Report
No
Agency Wide
No
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0