Secret Service Scandal: Soldier Is Latest Military Member Under Investigation
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Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — The 12th military service member under investigation for links to the the prostitution scandal in Colombia is an Army soldier working for the White House Communications Agency (WHCA), Defense Department officials confirm to ABC News.
The agency is staffed by military members who provide technical and communications support at the White House as well as on domestic and international presidential trips.
“A military service member attached to the White House Communications Agency is under investigation related to the incident in Cartagena,” a Defense official said. “The individual has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The White House Communications Agency provides information services to the executive branch, Secret Service and others as directed, but it reports to the Defense Information Systems Agency.”
The Secret Service is investigating 12 of its agents and officers regarding allegations of misconduct with prostitutes in Colombia before President Obama’s arrival in Cartagena for the Summit of the Americas two weekends ago. Six Secret Service members have resigned or been asked to step down from their posts.
The military service members now under investigation for their activities in Colombia include seven Army soldiers, two Marines, two Navy sailors and an Air Force airman.
White House spokesman Jay Carney confirmed earlier Monday that a WHCA employee was now under investigation.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Monday that several service members under investigation have had their security clearances suspended while the investigation’s underway. Several officials said the soldier working for WHCA is assumed to be one of the ones referred to by Panetta.
Panetta made the comments while en route to Colombia for a previously scheduled trip to meet with defense officials there.
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