The OIG initiated an investigation after receiving allegations that a manager at Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) sexually harassed an intern.
Our investigation substantiated that the manager sexually harassed the intern. The manager, who was the intern’s supervisor, pursued a relationship with the intern for several months. The intern initially told the manager she did not want to get involved with her supervisor, but she eventually agreed to go out with him on one occasion. According to the intern, she did not go out with the manager again, but she and the manager continued to communicate through text messages until she ended the personal communication approximately two months later. Despite her objections, the manager continued to pursue a relationship with the intern by sending her unwelcome text messages. The intern further alleged the manager touched her inappropriately while at work after she stopped the personal communication. The manager admitted to sending the unwelcome messages but said he did not recall touching the intern at work.
Our investigation also found that National Park Service (NPS) officials responded in accordance with DOI and NPS policy after the intern reported the sexual harassment.
The manager resigned from the NPS on October 10, 2017—approximately 1 month after we interviewed him for this investigation.