By: Matt Samples | Posted: Mar. 21, 2018 | Source: WV News
CHARLESTON — A new unit will be responsible for taking out corruption in West Virginia.
U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, along with federal and state law enforcement officials, said Tuesday that Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit had been formed.
The new unit will investigate the misuse of public money, corrupt public officials, law violations in campaign and elections and suspected criminal activity, Stuart said. Investigations will look at cases of corruption that threatens public resources and the electoral process.
The unit will investigate not only state and local officials, but also federal agencies and any entity that can “use their position for personal gain at the expense of the public,” according to a news release.
“We’ll bring the right partners together,” Stuart said. “I sincerely hope that there will be no corruption, but, just in case there is, folks ought to know we are watching.”
The investigative unit will also be responsible for uncovering corruption within public and private institutions that receive taxpayer dollars in cases where awarded funds are misused.
The unit includes federal and state law enforcement agencies including the following: FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Homeland Security, West Virginia State Police, West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, West Virginia Secretary of State’s office and West Virginia State Auditor’s office.
“The FBI is joining forces with our federal agency partners to combat public corruption and maintain public integrity throughout the southern district,” said Special Agent in charge Bob Johnson. “The FBI looks forward to participating in this Special Investigative Unit with the USAO and our other federal, local and state law enforcement partners as we work to investigate allegations of federal crimes.”
Stuart said citizens are encouraged to report corrupt activity. “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,” Stuart said.
