Rollins subject of probe following Herald report

The Justice Department’s inspector general has reportedly opened an investigation into Rachael Rollins’ attendance at a summer Democratic fundraiser in Andover reported exclusively by the Herald.

That probe, the Associated Press is reporting, comes as Attorney General

Merrick Garland attempts to restore the Justice Department’s reputation for political independence.

The AP reported late Monday the AG’s watchdog is looking into her use of her personal cellphone to conduct official business. The Herald has also learned that Rollins uses her cellphone to conduct business to some degree.

The Herald has filed a Freedom of Information

Act request seeking cellphone records that may show Rollins knew she was potentially violating the Hatch Act by attending the fundraiser on work time.

A Herald reporter did seek comment from Rollins in July as she was walking into the event and she only responded “No” when asked if she was concerned her appearance was in violation of federal laws.

The Hatch Act prohibits

Senate-confirmed Department of Justice employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty, in a federal facility, or using federal property, for the underlying purpose of maintaining a politically neutral workplace.

Rollins arrived at the July event in a car with government plates during normal business hours.

A spokeswoman for the inspector general, Michael Horowitz, told the AP it is the office’s “general practice not to confirm or deny the existence of any ongoing investigation.”

A spokesperson for Rollins, Christina DiIorio-Sterling, said Rollins is “fully cooperating with the OIG investigation.” Rollins declined to answer specific questions from the AP.

Also being examined, the AP adds, is a trip that Rollins took to California that was paid for by an outside group, they said. They were not authorized to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Senate Judiciary Committee deadlocked on her nomination last year before she was confirmed by a 51-50 party-line vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie.