U.S. Office of Special Counsel  1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218  Washington, D.C. 20036-4505

OSC AND FORMER DoD IG EMPLOYEE ANNOUNCE SETTLEMENT OF HATCH ACT COMPLAINT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 4/21/04
CONTACT: CATHY DEEDS
(202) 254-3607                 

     Today, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and Alan W. White announced the settlement of OSC’s Petition for Disciplinary Action against Mr. White. The petition was filed with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB or Board) on July 9, 2002. (CB-1216-02-0026-T-1)

     OSC’s petition charged that, while employed as Director of Investigative Operations at the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General (DODIG), Mr. White violated the Hatch Act by, among other things, running as a partisan candidate for elective office (the Fairfax County School Board). OSC alleged that Mr. White’s violation was willful because he had been advised, both verbally and in writing, that his candidacy violated the Hatch Act, yet he failed to cure his violation by either resigning from his federal job or withdrawing from the school board election.

     Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Mr. White admits that he violated the Hatch Act during his 2002 candidacy for Fairfax County School Board, but denies that his violation was either knowing or willful. Mr. White has agreed that, should he return to federal service, he will serve a sixty-day (60) suspension, without pay. Further, he has agreed that a copy of the settlement agreement will be placed in his Official Personnel File (OPF).

     In consideration of Mr. White’s admission of liability and his agreement to serve a 60-day suspension, OSC has dismissed its Petition for Disciplinary Action against him. Both parties have agreed not to make any further public comments regarding this case, or its disposition.