A member of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s security detail with whom she has been accused of having a romantic relationship has been placed on administrative leave during a misconduct investigation, people familiar with the matter said, escalating an ethics scandal roiling the department.
The Labor Department inspector general’s office has interviewed staff in connection with the investigation, which followed a complaint that Ms. Chavez-DeRemer was having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and abusing her office.
The watchdog has received at least two more complaints accusing Ms. Chavez-DeRemer’s two top aides of pressuring staff to direct the awarding of department grants to benefit the secretary’s political career and elevate her standing with donors and consultants, according to people who have either seen or been told of the new complaints.
The two aides — Jihun Han, Ms. Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, the deputy chief of staff — were placed on administrative leave this month after they were named in the first complaint. That complaint, first reported by The New York Post, accused the secretary of having Mr. Han and Ms. Wright create trips where she could have personal time with friends and family.
Both aides have been moved to investigative leave, a designation reserved for cases that may result in termination.
“The department will not comment on internal or personnel matters and cannot confirm or deny the existence of an IG investigation,” a spokeswoman for the department said. “The secretary remains focused on carrying out the department’s mission and supporting American workers.”
Mr. Han and Ms. Wright could not be reached for comment. The member of her security detail could not be reached for comment.
The allegations are part of broader dissatisfaction and turmoil during Ms. Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure as labor secretary, current and former employees of the department said. Morale is low among both political appointees and veteran staff members, some of whom said Ms. Chavez-DeRemer is rarely present at the department and seems largely interested in her future political aspirations.
“Secretary Chavez-DeRemer cannot comment publicly beyond a general denial,” said Nick Oberheiden, a lawyer representing her. “We respect the integrity of the IG and its leadership, and we expect that auditors and investigators guarantee investigative confidentiality and uphold Secretary Chavez DeRemer’s due process rights.”
Rebecca Davis O’Brien covers labor and the work force for The Times.
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