Federal inspectors are investigating allegations that management
has covered up illegal activities at Los Alamos National
Laboratory, which is managed by the University of California.
The investigation comes after nearly $3 million worth of items
disappeared or were reported missing from the nuclear research lab
in the last three years, according to an internal document obtained
by the Albuquerque Journal.
Lab director Dr. John Browne requested the investigation in
early November after anonymous allegations of corruption affecting
national security were reported by other news organizations.
“It was important to have investigators come in
quickly,” said Los Alamos press aide Jim Danneskiold.
Acting administrator of the National Nuclear Security
Administration Linton Brooks endorsed Browne’s inquiry.
The NNSA works with the lab and the UC to develop nuclear
weapons and maintain the safety of the United States’ nuclear
weapons stockpiles.
Officials from the Department of Energy’s Office of
Inspector General launched the investigation Monday, 10 days after
the UC’s top official in charge of laboratory oversight, John
McTague, announced his intention to leave this position.
UC press aide Jeff Garberson said McTague’s announcement
is not connected to the investigation.
“He had decided to retire several months ago and was just
waiting for right time,” Garberson said.
Garberson said McTague would not comment on the investigation.
His resignation is effective once the UC appoints his
replacement.
Garberson said the university will cooperate with the
investigation.
“The DOE review will run its course and the laboratory,
university and Department of Energy will all take action as
appropriate,” Garberson said.
The UC oversees the operations of three national laboratories
““ including Los Alamos ““ for the Department of Energy
and the NNSA.
Lab directors, including Browne, are appointed by the
university’s president, while the federal government provides
lab funding.
The Office of Inspector General confirmed in a statement that
charges against laboratory management are being investigated, but
the UC is not specifically mentioned.
The office would not say when the investigation will be
concluded and will not make additional comments until the
investigation is over, according to press aide Wilma Slaughter.
The university might conduct its own investigation after federal
authorities finish their investigation, Garberson said.
Los Alamos has been the target of other federal investigations
in recent months.
In October the FBI got warrants to search the homes of two lab
workers, alleging they have used lab credit cards to buy more than
$50,000 of unapproved merchandise.
With reports from Daily Bruin wire services.