In letter, attorney claims misconduct by Stripes, DOD

In letter, attorney claims misconduct by Stripes, DOD
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, May 14, 2008

ARLINGTON, Va. — A former attorney for the American Forces Information Service has sent a letter to U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, alleging serious misconduct by Pentagon and Stars and Stripes officials and saying she was retaliated against for pursuing her legal duties connected to the America Supports You program.

In the letter, obtained by Stars and Stripes, former AFIS General Counsel Diane Beaver accuses Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, and acting Stripes publisher Max Lederer of violations regarding how America Supports You was funded and how money was spent.

"Ms. Barber and Mr. Lederer’s actions violate federal appropriations law and may violate ethics law, including the potential for violation of the conflict of interest criminal statutes," Beaver wrote. "At a minimum, there is an appearance of impropriety by these officials."

Barber also is the creator of America Supports You and head of American Forces Information Service, Stripes’ parent organization. "Instead of complying with Federal law and regulation, Ms. Barber violated the oath she took to comply with the law and did so with impunity to accomplish her personal objectives," Beaver wrote.

Barber declined to respond to Beaver’s allegations, said Defense Department spokesman Cmdr. Greg Hicks.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54775