Smithsonian faults expenses
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The head of the Smithsonian Latino Center resigned after an investigation found she had abused her expense account to fund her extravagant use of spas, luxury hotels and frequent limousine rides, according to a report released by the institution.
Pilar O’Leary, 39, billed the nonprofit museum complex for “extravagant” and “lavish travel expenses,” the Smithsonian Institution inspector general found.
“The investigation revealed that O’Leary has not always acted in the best interests of the Smithsonian,” the report concluded. “Her conduct has violated the basic ethical rules of the Institution.”
The report was released this week in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Washington Post. O’Leary left the Smithsonian in February, and at the time the institution made no mention of ethical violations.
In an e-mail to the Washington Post, O’Leary denied any wrongdoing, saying her travel had been approved by supervisors.
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