Zinke’s agency watchdog refers probe of him to DOJ

WASHINGTON — 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.

Interior Deputy Inspector General Mary L. Kendall, who is currently 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, 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. The Justice Department declined to comment, and Interior did not immediately responded to a request for comment.

A referral to the Justice Department means that prosecutors will explore whether a criminal investigation is warranted. While an agency’s inspector general regularly issues reports on the findings of its inquiries, it refers cases to the Justice Department only when it has determined that there could be criminal violations.

A senior White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the White House understands that the investigation is looking into whether the secretary “used his office to help himself.”

Since taking office in March 2017, Zinke has come under scrutiny for his travel practices and other aspects of his job performance, though his aides have dismissed these allegations as politically motivated. Earlier this month, the inspector general’s office released a report finding that Zinke’s decision to allow his wife to travel with him sparked concerns among the department’s ethics officials. Zinke is one of multiple Cabinet members who may leave after the midterm elections, according to administration officials.