Zinke’s agency watchdog refers him to the Justice Department

WASHINGTON — The Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General has referred one of its ongoing 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 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 did not specify which inquiry had been referred to the Justice Department.

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 potential criminal violations.

A senior White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, 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 as well as other aspects of his job performance, though his aides have dismissed these allegations as politically motivated.

Zinke is one of multiple Cabinet members who may leave after the midterm elections, according to administration officials.