Investigation into Labor Secretary’s Aides

WASHINGTON — Administrative leave has been issued for aides of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer amid an internal probe regarding their alleged misuse of personal travel for official obligations.

According to insiders, Department of Labor (DOL) Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito has placed Han Ji-hoon, the chief of staff, and Rebecca Wright, the deputy chief of staff, on leave after a report revealed the investigation.

Sources indicate that Han and Wright were sidelined due to their influential roles with colleagues during this inquiry. The news was first highlighted by Politico.

Secretary Chavez Delemer, 57, faces accusations outlined in a December complaint, alleging she engaged in “travel fraud” by having aides create fake official trips that allowed her personal time with family and friends. Notably, her preferred locations included her home state of Oregon and a residence in Arizona, as well as trips to see her daughter in Michigan. Records show she traveled to Las Vegas at least four times in the past year.

Neither Han nor Wright has provided comments yet, and a representative from the DOL Inspector General’s office declined to discuss the matter.

Furthermore, the complaint also includes claims of Chavez Delemer “abusing her position” by engaging in “inappropriate” relationships with subordinates, inviting them to her D.C. apartments and hotel rooms during trips in the previous year.

Claims from additional video footage reveal unprofessional behavior during at least two recent Las Vegas trips. This has raised concerns about the conduct of her office.

In response to the allegations, White House Press Secretary Taylor Rogers stated the claims are “baseless.” DOL spokeswoman Courtney Parella supported this assertion, denying the validity of the allegations and stating that Secretary Chavez Delemer is following all ethics and policy guidelines consistently.