Reports

During an investigation of the use of self-bonds in coal operations, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) identified an issue with access to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s (WDEQ’s) records related to its grant from the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement (OSMRE). We found that the WDEQ may be restricting OSMRE personnel’s ability to remove records from WDEQ offices for OSMRE review and audit.

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.

Collection of Documentation by Companies Mining on Federal Lands

Alleged Theft of Government Property by FWS Law Enforcement Officer Unfounded

The OIG investigated allegations that a former National Park Service (NPS) superintendent held visitor donations in a private investment account instead of a U.S. Treasury account as required by NPS policy and may have personally benefited from the funds. We found no evidence of misuse or personal gain. We analyzed the account and found no withdrawals or transfers; all the donations remained in the account. Although holding the funds in a private investment account violated NPS policy, we found the superintendent was following procedures established by his predecessors.