Zinke’s Own Agency Watchdog Just Referred Him To The Justice Department

"Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has come under scrutiny on multiple fronts"

"The Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General has referred one of its probes into the conduct of Secretary Ryan Zinke to the Justice Department for further investigation, according to two individuals familiar with the matter.

Deputy Inspector General Mary L. Kendall, who is serving as acting inspector general, is conducting at least three probes that involve Zinke. These include his involvement in a Montana land deal and the decision not to grant two tribes approval to operate a casino in Connecticut. The individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly, did not specify which inquiry had been referred to the Justice Department.

A spokeswoman for the inspector general’s office declined to comment on the matter Tuesday, saying, " I cannot comment on any investigations.” The Justice Department declined to comment, and Interior did not immediately responded to a request for comment."

Juliet Eilperin and Josh Dawsey report for the Washington Post October 30, 2018.

"15 Investigations And Counting: DOI's Zinke Under Scrutiny" (Wyoming Public Media)

"Sources: Justice Department investigating Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke" (CNN)

"Did Ryan Zinke Try to Fire His Department’s Inspector General for Investigating Him?" (New Yorker)

"'Unfit To Serve'? Us Interior Secretary Faces Fresh Ethics Scrutiny" (Guardian)

"Report: Zinke Case Referred to Justice Dept." (E&E News PM)

"Inquiry Into Ryan Zinke Land Deal Is Said to Escalate" (New York Times)

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