Deputy Inspector General Mary L. Kendall, who is serving as acting inspector general, is conducting at least three probes that involve Zinke. 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 referral to the Justice Department means prosecutors will explore whether a criminal investigation is warranted. Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the advocacy group Center for Western Priorities, said in a statement that a Justice Department inquiry made sense given Zinke’s push for a new inspector general. “If Interior’s inspector general is unable to hold Secretary Zinke accountable without political interference, it’s time for career prosecutors at the Justice Department to take over,” she said.

Source: Washington Post October 30, 2018 18:34 UTC