U.S. Marshals Director Resigns Amid Growing Allegations

06.09.2015 | Surge Wire |

The director of the U.S. Marshals has decided to resign amidst growing whistleblower allegations of corrupt hiring practices, misuse of funds, and retaliation against whistleblowers.

Stacia Hylton announced Tuesday she planned to retire in the coming months, denying claims that she was stepping down because of the growing scandal in her agency.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has been investigating allegations that Hylton practiced nepotism and quid pro quo hiring practices as well as misusing money in the Asset Forfeiture Division.

“News of Ms. Hylton’s decision to resign comes as the Marshals Service faces serious allegations of misconduct within its senior ranks,” Grassley said in a statement. “The Justice Department has referred whistleblower claims I’ve raised to the Inspector General for further investigation, and the Office of Special Counsel is pursuing separate inquiries following charges of whistleblower retaliation.”

Grassley sent several letters in recent months asking Hylton to respond to a series of allegations.

The Senator asked Hylton to respond to allegations that she hired an expensive, unqualified contractor and promoted a Marshals official in exchange for personal favors.

Hylton also allegedly purchased unnecessary and “extravagant office decorations” with asset forfeiture funds, including artwork, granite installation and a $10,000 conference table.

“The dedicated men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service are great patriots who I have had the honor of working with, past and present,” Hylton said in a statement.

Grassley has indicated, despite Hylton’s resignation, he will continue investigating the agency which has a bad history of cooperating with investigations.

“It’s never good news when the head of an agency needs to step aside in the midst of these kinds of allegations, and it also doesn’t mean the investigations are complete,” Grassley said in a statement. “The Committee’s inquiry into the broad range of whistleblower allegations will continue alongside the inquiries by the Inspector General and Special Counsel.”

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