Many Federal employees may find themselves drawn into an OIG investigation. The OIG is Office of Inspector General and every federal agency has one. They are housed within each agency but supposed to function independently from the agency. OIG's are powerful within each organization and they can investigate waste, fraud, and abuse within an agency. Once an investigation concludes, the OIG can refer a case to a prosecutor in the event that criminal charges are being filed. If you find yourself in a position of talking to an OIG agent without a lawyer initially, you may want to tune in to understand your next steps with Tom Spiggle and guest, Sara Kropf.

About Sara Kropf:

Sara is an experienced trial lawyer who defends both individuals and companies. Before starting her firm, she was a partner in the Washington, DC office of Baker Botts LLP, where she represented both public and private companies as well as individuals. Her clients are often accused of serious wrongdoing, such as fraud or conspiracy, and many are targeted by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Show Highlights:

• What OIG is and why you should care
• The Difference between an OIG investigation and discipline from your supervisor
• Most agents are friendly
• Warnings for an OIG investigation
• Whether or not you should get a lawyer during an OIG investigation
• The crime of making an unintentional false statement
• Finding a lawyer with a white-collar criminal defense record
• Outcomes and penalties of an OIG investigation
• Fifth amendment rights and asserting them
• The amount of time put into an investigation
• Publishing findings
• Employment investigations that turn into OIG investigations
• Using third parties for information
• What happens if you quit during an OIG investigation
• Government contractors with OIG

Resources:

Www.Kropflaw.com

grandjurytarget.com

https://www.nacdl.org