Investigation into Allegations of Misconduct by the Former Acting and Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security

Publication

Investigation into Allegations of Misconduct by the Former Acting and Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security

Abstract

The Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight, part of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, conducted an investigation into allegations of misconduct by Charles Edwards, the Acting Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Subcommittee Chairman Claire McCaskill and Ranking Member Ron Johnson initiated this investigation. The findings reveal that Mr. Edwards compromised the independence of the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) by failing to seek independent legal advice, instructing reports to be altered or delayed for senior DHS officials, and not recusing himself from audits and inspections related to his wife’s employment. He also misused OIG resources by receiving assistance for his Ph.D dissertation. However, the Subcommittee could not conclusively determine whether Mr. Edwards misused agency resources for his outside employment, pursuit of a permanent Inspector General position, or Florida travel due to insufficient evidence. There was no violation of anti-nepotism laws regarding Mrs. Edwards’ employment. Allegations of improper record concealment or destruction, favoritism towards certain employees, and retaliation against whistleblowers could not be substantiated, though widespread belief in these actions contributed to a low morale, fear, and dissatisfaction within the office. Mr. Edwards resigned from his OIG position and was transferred to the Office of Science and Technology at DHS three days before the Subcommittee’s hearing on the investigation.