Administrative Investigation Nepotism, Abuse of Authority, Misuse of Position, Improper Hiring, and Improperly Administered Awards, OI&T, Washington, DC

We substantiated that Ms. Jennifer S. Duncan, former Executive Assistant to the former Assistant Secretary for OI&T, Mr. Robert Howard, engaged in nepotism when she improperly advocated for the hiring and advancement of XXXXX within OI&T; abused her authority and engaged in prohibited personnel practices when she improperly hired an acquaintance and friend and at a rate above the minimum rate of pay. Ms. Duncan’s XXXXX misused her own position for the private gain of XXXXX; that XXXXX misused his position for the private gain of his XXXXX and XXXXX when he advocated for their VA appointments and his XXXXX above the minimum rate of pay; that XXXXX did not testify freely and honestly in matters relating to employment; and that he failed to properly discharge the duties of his position. OI&T Managers improperly authorized academic degree funding for Ms. Duncan’s family and friends and for XXXXX; they improperly utilized the FCIP and DHA to appoint Ms. Duncan’s family and friends; and they were not fiscally responsible when they improperly administered awards.