Architect of the Capitol accused of a number of ethics violations by watchdog

The Architect of the Capitol has been accused by a watchdog of a number of ethics violations, together with providing non-public excursions whereas the capitol complicated was closed and misusing authorities autos.

The Workplace of the Inspector Common for the Architect of the Capitol launched the report Tuesday detailing the varied ethics violations.

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The report particulars J. Brett Blanton’s spouse posting on social media “Contact me for a non-public tour. All PATRIOTS accepted!” on Sept. 30, 2020, whereas the Capitol constructing was closed to guests because of the coronavirus pandemic.

By providing the non-public excursions, Blanton created the “look of impropriety” and used a “public place for personal achieve,” leading to a violation of insurance policies for his workplace, per the report.

The inspector basic’s report additionally accuses Blanton of utilizing taxpayer dollars to fund a further car for his household and permitting unauthorized people to drive “law-enforcement-equipped autos.”

“The OIG recognized a big quantity of administrative, moral and coverage violations in addition to proof of prison violations all through the investigation. Blanton misled and offered false data to investigators on a number of events,” the report stated.

Blanton asserted he's approved to make use of a car for continuity of operations or emergency response to the U.S. Capitol, as crucial, and “claimed that he was ‘tethered’ to the car — a time period nobody had heard of or beforehand used” the report stated.

The report concluded that Blanton violated each pillar the inspector basic operates beneath “together with theft, fraud, waste and abuse.”

The watchdog refereed the case, however federal prison prosecution was not pursued in Washington, D.C., or the Jap District of Virginia, the report stated. As a substitute, the inspector basic stated alleged violations had been referred to the Authorities Accountability Workplace, and referrals may also be made to the IRS and the Commonwealth of Virginia to the Assistant Commonwealth’s Lawyer for additional investigation. CNN reported Blanton didn't return a request for remark.