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Investigative Summary
2021-0011-INVI-P J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, Abused His Authority, Misused Government Property and Wasted Taxpayer Money, Among Other Substantiated Violations
concerns about the lack of limits this language places on the ability to purchase or replace a new vehicle annually, as well as limiting the type of vehicle and accessories that it may have installed (e.g., emergency law enforcement light packages, seating). The AOC is exempt from Title 31 U.S.C. § 1344 Passenger Carrier Use; however, the OIG does not believe that the AOC is exempt from Title 31 U.S.C. § 1343, Buying and Leasing Passenger Motor Vehicles and Aircraft, and should be limited by the statutory controls over vehicle acquisition and use, including price limitation and replacement of motor vehicles.
The additional $37,458.74 to outfit the 2021 Ford Explorer ST with emergency equipment had been budgeted from a Jurisdiction Centralized Activities program group and not from the Capitol Construction and Operations budget, which authorized the purchase or replacement of the motor vehicle. Jurisdiction Centralized Activities funds are used for general operating expenses to include vehicle operations and maintenance. Per the AOC's Fiscal Year 2021 budget submission and justification, the AOC has justified the increased emergency and/or law enforcement motor vehicle accessories as a need since, "[A]s a member of the Capitol Police Board, the Architect of the Capitol plays a vital role in the COOP. Within the AOC, the OCSO jurisdiction is responsible for resiliency and COOP. AOC vehicles that operate in an emergency or COOP capacity must be compatible with USCP radio communications and emergency operations capabilities. Therefore, funds used to equip AOC vehicles to operate in a COOP environment or USCP supporting capacity are requested and obligated to OCSO through the Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security appropriation." Further, the OIG maintains that there is no reasonable justification for OSCO or other AOC COOP vehicles to maintain clandestine license plates that do not recognize the vehicle as AOC property.
The OIG has concerns that, although the motor vehicle may be permitted and budgeted from Capitol Construction and Operations, the AOC justifies any increase or changes to the Architect's motor vehicle from a separate appropriation or group and that the appropriation is listed year over year since 2014, which raises the question of actual need and reasonableness.
The OIG identified a significant amount of administrative, ethical and policy violations as well as evidence of criminal violations throughout the investigation. Blanton misled and provided false information to investigators on multiple occasions. Blanton used taxpayer dollars to fund an additional personal vehicle for his family. The OIG is dedicated to promoting economy and efficiency and preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse within the AOC’s programs and operations. Blanton's actions have violated every pillar the OIG operates under including theft, fraud, waste and abuse against not only the AOC but also the taxpayer.
In accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978, and all applicable statutes, the OIG presented the potential violations of U.S.C. (including Title 41 CFR 105-5, HTW Transportation; Title 18 U.S.C. § 641, Public Money, Property or Records; Title 18 U.S.C. § 242, Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law; Title 31 U.S.C. § 1349, Adverse Personnel Actions; and Title 18 U.S.C. § 1001, Statements or Entries Generally) to the USAO on April 29, 2021. The USAO brought in the Federal Bureau of Investigation who, after five months of discussion and
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