Ex-official wants job back as FBI shuts St. HOPE probe

Sacramento Bee ^ | 11/11/09

[FromLori]

Federal officials said Tuesday there was not enough evidence to support allegations that the e-mails were intentionally deleted while Johnson's nonprofit organization was being probed by federal Inspector General Gerald Walpin. The decision appears to put to rest a controversy that has dogged Johnson since Walpin's investigation into St. HOPE's use of federal grant money first became public in April 2008.

"We're pleased that the FBI has determined what we knew all along – that there was no intentional wrongdoing by the mayor or anyone at St. HOPE," said mayoral spokesman Steve Maviglio. "It's time for this book to be closed and for everyone to move on."

Walpin, who was fired by President Barack Obama last summer amid controversy over his probe of Johnson, revealed Tuesday that he also had been cleared of overstepping his authority in the matter.

Now, he said, he wants his job back.

"It certainly is a vindication that I and my office – and it was mainly my office, the career staff – acted properly in connection with the investigation into St. HOPE," Walpin said.

"It takes away any basis belatedly set forth by the White House as a reason for my termination," he added.

Walpin, as inspector general of the Corporation for National and Community Service, began investigating St. HOPE's use of federal grant money under the AmeriCorps program in 2008, when Johnson was running for mayor.

St. HOPE, based

[JerseyHighlander]

Welcome to the first act of the Banana Republic.

Thanks for posting this. Walpin has been his own best advocate since the termination, but he still needs all the publicity he can get to force the hand of the WH wagon circlers.

[FromLori]

Sure I was glad to see the court decision it gives you hope there could still be recourse in some localities.

[an amused spectator]

Laws are for the little people, and certainly NOT for Friends O’ Barry...