Senate probe: Ex-DHS watchdog altered reports as favor to senior officials

A subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs released a scathing report on Thursday that effectively confirmed many of the ethical allegations that have trailed Charles Edwards ever since he resigned his post in December as acting DHS inspector general. The report determined that he "jeopardized the independence" of his office by socializing with senior DHS officials and had reports "altered or delayed" to accommodate the department he was supposed to oversee. The report also included, though did not confirm, allegations that Edwards' office sat on information about the 2012 Secret Service prostitution scandal that could "influence an election."

Charles Edwards

Top DHS Auditor Had Employees Write His Dissertation, Fired Dissidents, Complaints Allege

Edwards allegedly helped his wife, Madhuri Edwards, secure the position of supervisory auditor within his office, a move that “appears to violate laws and regulations governing prohibited personnel practices,” the letter said. The subcommittee also received complaints Edwards took retaliatory action against an employee who attempted to call attention to the misconduct.

The head of the IG’s office also allegedly played a role in in covering up “relevant and damaging information” in the investigation into the Secret Service’s encounters with Colombian prostitutes, the letter said. The senators outlined allegations that Edwards is “susceptible to political pressure,” saying whistleblowers claimed he “intentionally changed and withheld information” in both internal documents and the public report.

Edwards allegedly required his employees to drive him and his wife around on “personal errands,” helped his wife secure improper benefits and falsely claimed to make “site visits” to an IG office in Florida in order to attend classes for his Ph.D -- all on the taxpayers’ dime. Whistleblowers accused Edwards of requiring his staff to do his schoolwork and write his dissertation paper. Edwards allegedly offered bonuses to staffers who assisted him with his Ph.D work.

Employees who refused or questioned Edwards faced penalties, whistleblowers said. Edwards allegedly placed these workers on administrative leave or fired them and assisted adverse actions against personnel with grievances. He also “improperly interfered” with the reinstatement of one former employee’s security clearance, complaints alleged.

http://www.govexec.com/oversight/2013/06/top-dhs-auditor-made-employees-write-his-dissertation-fired-dissidents-whistleblowers-say/65765/

Charles Edwards accused of putting wife on payroll, other charges

The acting inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security has been accused of putting his wife on the agency’s payroll and having staffers drive him and his wife around on errands, Federal Times reports.

Charles Edwards, who has served as the interim IG for DHS since early 2011, is being investigated by a Senate oversight panel for several accusations, which also include allegedly bullying employees who challenged him and sharing confidential

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/07/charles-edwards-accused-of-putting-wife-on-payroll-other-charges-90910.html#ixzz2zpW3WtVo

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