HHS OIG Confirms Investigation Into Resignation of Former FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford

HHS Inspector General Daniel Levinson has confirmed that his office has launched an investigation into the resignation of former FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford, the AP/Long Island Newsday reports. Crawford resigned in September, two months after his Senate confirmation.

Several lawmakers had requested an investigation into the reasons for the Crawford resignation, such as whether he followed ethics laws that required him to report his financial assets and income to the federal government. Some reports indicated that an unintentional failure to disclose financial holdings led Crawford to resign. Crawford has denied the allegation.

HHS OIG officials previously had not confirmed that the office had launched an investigation into the issue (AP/Long Island Newsday, 10/24). However, in a letter to Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) released on Monday, Levinson wrote, "This office is currently reviewing the circumstances regarding Dr. Crawford's resignation. Depending on the results of the review, we will determine the next appropriate action" (CongressDaily, 10/25).

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