NEW YORK (AP) — A report from the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General details allegations against former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, claiming she oversaw a hostile work environment and engaged in multiple violations of department policy. The report alleges that Chavez-DeRemer was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a member of her security detail and directed staff to perform personal tasks during work hours. It also states that she improperly combined personal and official travel, violated alcohol policies, and failed to report gifts through the appropriate channels.
The report, which is based on interviews with numerous current and former staff members and a review of over 500 documents, images, and videos, includes several serious allegations. It claims that during a personal trip to Oregon, Chavez-DeRemer visited a strip club and instructed her limousine driver to give money to a performer. She allegedly took money from her purse and asked the driver to drop the bills onto the performer despite his reluctance.
Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned earlier this year, has not commented on the allegations. The report also accuses her of directing staff to perform personal tasks, such as organizing her bedroom closet and retrieving packages from her home. Staff members were reportedly asked to document their work with video.
Additionally, the report alleges that Chavez-DeRemer maintained an inappropriate relationship with a senior agent on her security detail, with detailed witness accounts of their interactions, including golfing and gambling together. Investigators found electronic hotel door lock records suggesting they spent nights in each other’s rooms, as well as video footage of the agent visiting her home.
The report states that the relationship continued even after the agent was placed on administrative leave. It also concluded that Chavez-DeRemer and senior staff consumed and stored alcohol on federal property without permission and combined personal and official travel, including trips to family residences and Las Vegas. Several unreported gifts were identified, including tickets to a rodeo and an alligator-hide wallet.
Moreover, the report indicates that Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a hostile work environment, with senior staff reportedly engaging in threatening and abusive communication. Witnesses described the atmosphere as toxic and humiliating, with instances of public berating and discussions of performance issues in front of colleagues. Staffing decisions were allegedly made based on physical appearance rather than qualifications, including relocating an employee’s desk due to concerns about their appearance.
SOURCE: apnews.com