FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF FOR PRESIDENT'S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION BOARD SETTLES CONFLICT OF INTEREST ALLEGATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Roger Cressey, former chief of staff for the President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board (PCIPB) within the Office of Homeland Security, today paid $5,000 in a civil settlement to resolve allegations that he violated conflict of interest laws for federal employees.

According to a written settlement agreement made public today, the government claimed that Cressey's actions as chief of staff for the board in July 2002 violated 18 USC Section 208, which prohibits a federal executive branch employee from participating personally and substantially in a matter while he is negotiating for prospective employment with an organization that has a financial interest in the matter. Cressey disputed that there was any violation.

The Justice Department agreed not to prosecute Cressey as a result of the settlement Cressey paid today.

The Cressey matter was investigated by the Washington Field Office of the FBI, and handled by the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section, headed by Section Chief Noel Hillman.

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