Rep. Chaffetz Castigates EPA Over 'Systemic Cultural Problem' as He Reveals Shocking Instances of Employee Misconduct

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), House Oversight Committee chairman, condemned the “culture and lack of accountability” at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as he revealed examples of employee misconduct during a hearing Wednesday.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz questions EPA officials on instances of misconduct. (House Oversight Committee YouTube)

Chaffetz said the EPA Inspector General’s office released a report detailing more than 60 cases of misconduct that were closed in the “last several months” alone. The Republican said the misconduct is representative of a “systemic culture problem” at the EPA.

In one instance, a “convicted child molester” was kept on the EPA payroll for years — even after officials learned of his crime, Chaffetz said.

Chaffetz questioned Patrick Sullivan, of the EPA OIG, and learned details about the employee that left him visibly stunned, including the revelation that he was paid a $55,000 settlement to "walk away" from the EPA.

"The American people paid him $55,000 to walk away," Chaffetz asked incredulously.

"Yes," Sullivan replied.

Another EPA employee allegedly stole and pawned “thousands of dollars in office equipment” but was not fired. The employee was ultimately convicted of felony theft, but remains employed at the EPA, according to Chaffetz.

“The status quo cannot continue,” Chaffetz said before promising to fully investigate the EPA until all managers and employees are held acceptable for failures and wrongdoing.

Watch Chaffetz's opening statement below:

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