Paulose Admits She Faces A Special Counsel InvestigationYesterday news broke that the Office of Special Counsel is investigating US attorney Rachel Paulose for personnel practices in her office, which was roiled with a major staff shake-up this spring when four top administrators stepped down from their leadership positions in protest. Paulose declined to comment in the original story, but acknowledged the investigation when the Minneapolis Star Tribune followed up:
Paulose declined to discuss the specifics of the investigation. “Since the matter is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment at this time. I am confident the truth will be brought to light,” she said.
“I am focused on doing the work of the people, which is what I was appointed to do.”
Paulose is reportedly under investigation for such bad acts as retaliating against a lawyer who reported how she mishandled classified information and for using racial slurs against another employee.
The Star Tribune also asked former first assistant U.S. attorney John Marti about how he reported Paulose’s security breach up the chain of command. Marti was one of the four managers who voluntarily demoted themselves in protest. The four still work for the US attorney’s office, but not in senior positions.
Marti, who is still an assistant U.S. attorney, said because of his position he could not comment either. “I’d like to see the process work its way,” he said. “And I am not going to have any comments beyond that.”
The Office of Special Counsel is an investigative agency independent from the Department of Justice that seeks to uphold the merit system for federal employees and protect whistleblowers from reprisal.
