INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— A federal investigator out of Whiteland, Indiana has just been sentenced in regard to background check interviews that were falsified over the span of 7 and a half months.
Christopher Laughlin was sentenced to one year of federal probation, and restitution payments in the amount of nearly $70,000. Laughlin was supposed to be doing background interviews on potential employees and current ones looking for higher security clearance but during the period of Feb. 18 to Sept. 1, 2021 he falsified several interviews.
All federal employees, contractors, and military personnel must undergo these background investigations to determine if they are a right fit for the job and for any security clearance they might obtain. These background investigations can range in severity based on the type of job and the amount of harm someone in that position could cause.
A joint investigation by several federal agencies discovered that he had falsified at least 43 interviews for 22 separate reports. The DCSA spent $69,846.44 on payroll and travel expenses for the supposed interviews that he will have to answer for.
“The safety and security of our country depends on the trustworthiness and integrity of federal employees and contractors,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This defendant’s decision to falsify reports and fabricate statements compromised the integrity of these important investigations, and increased the risk that unsuitable individuals are put in positions that could compromise our government and our national security. I commend DCSA OIG, DCIS, and our federal prosecutor for their commitment to protect the public and hold officials accountable for criminal violations of their oaths to serve and protect the public.”
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