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Secret Service Agents Recalled From Colombia

Cara Palmer |
April 14, 2012 | 11:36 a.m. PDT

Executive Producer

(Gabriel Vasquez, Creative Commons)
(Gabriel Vasquez, Creative Commons)
The United States Secret Service is currently investigating allegations of misconduct regarding several agents constituting President Obama’s security during his trip to Cartagena, Colombia, the Washington Post reports.

Jon Adler, president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, stated that the accusations against the agents relate to involvement with prostitutes in Cartagena. The Secret Service’s internal affairs’ Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the matter.

President Obama is currently in Cartagena for the Summit of the Americas, during which leaders gather to discuss economic policy, including trade.

MSNBC News reports that since the arrival of the Secret Service employees, about a week before President Obama’s arrival, the agents had also “been drinking heavily throughout the week.” According to CNN, "a dozen Secret Service members are being investigated over early findings that they allegedly brought back several prostitutes to a hotel...None of the agents or officers were part of the president's personal protective detail." The report continues:

"There was a dispute between at least one Secret Service member and a woman brought back to his hotel over a request to be paid, the U.S. government sources said. At least one of the women brought back to the hotel complained to police, and complaints were filed with the U.S. Embassy, the sources said."

The unit of agents was recalled for the investigation into the alleged involvement with prostitutes, and was replaced by another. Adler said the Secret Service “responded appropriately” and “is looking at a very serious allegation,” which they need “to properly investigate” in order to “fairly ascertain the merits of the allegations.”

 

Reach Executive Producer Cara Palmer here or follow her on Twitter.



 

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