Mishandling of sex complaints is a “systemic” problem

WASHINGTON» The Justice Department has “systemic” problems in how it handles sexual harassment complaints, with those found to have acted improperly often not receiving appropriate punishment, and the issue requires “high-level action,” according to the department’s inspector general.

Justice supervisors have mishandled complaints, the inspector general said, and some perpetrators were given little discipline or even later rewarded with bonuses or performance awards. At the same time, the number of allegations of sexual misconduct has been increasing for the past five years, and the complaints have involved senior officials across the country.

The cases examined by the inspector general’s office include a U.S. attorney who had a sexual relationship with a subordinate and sent harassing texts and emails when it ended; a lawyer who groped two female trial attorneys; and a chief deputy U.S. marshal who had sex with “approximately” nine women on multiple occasions in his office, according to investigative reports obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request.

“We’re talking about presidential appointees, political appointees, FBI special agents in charge, U.S. attorneys, wardens, a chief deputy U.S. marshal, a U.S. marshal assistant director, a deputy assistant attorney general,” Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz said.