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Group forms to root out corruption

PARKERSBURG — A multi-agency group to investigate public corruption has been formed in West Virginia, officials announced on Tuesday.

The Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit will investigate corrupt public officials and employees, misuse of public funds, campaign and election law violations and suspected criminal activity, said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart of the Southern District of West Virginia.

“Maintaining public integrity is a tremendous priority for me and for the Southern District of West Virginia,” Stuart said.

The unit is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Inspector General’s Offices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, the West Virginia Auditor and the West Virginia Secretary of State on campaign and election law violations.

“I am honored for the Secretary of State’s Office to have been asked to join this very important effort to address public corruption in West Virginia,” Secretary of State Mac Warner said. “I commend U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart for bringing this partnership together to work toward that end.”

The unit will focus on corrupt elected officials and federal, state and municipal employees who use their position for personal gain at the expense of the public, Stuart said.

The Special Investigations Unit will investigate corruption that threatens public resources, the electoral process and fair economic opportunities for citizens and businesses, and with uncovering corruption within both public and private institutions that receive and misuse taxpayer dollars, he said.

The Department of Health and Human Services will ensure funds go where intended to help those in need, rather than to the corrupt, according to Maureen Dixon, special agent in charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.

“Today’s announcement affirms our dedication to aggressively pursue those that choose to engage in illicit behavior that undermines HUD programs,” said Bertrand Nelson, special agent in charge, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office, HUD Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work steadfastly as a partner of the Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit to bring cases such as these to prosecution.”

Residents can report corrupt activity or report they suspect illegal activity at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv) and clicking on the “Corruption” button or by calling 1-800-659-USAO.

“West Virginia’s unfortunate history with corruption is well known, but so is this office’s history of combating corrupt activity,” Stuart said.

“Our efforts have been aided by a dogged media and courageous, conscientious citizens, business owners and public officials who have provided information about corrupt activity,” he said. “We call on public servants, the vast majority of whom are honest brokers, to not look the other way when they see indications of corruption. We cannot overstate the importance of citizen participation in our fight against corruption, and we urge all citizens to assist us in this effort.”

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