Page:J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, Abused His Authority, Misused Government Property and Wasted Taxpayer Money, Among Other Substantiated Violations.pdf/6

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2021-0011-INVI-P J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, Abused His Authority, Misused Government Property and Wasted Taxpayer Money, Among Other Substantiated Violations May 19, 2021, pertaining to the events on January 6, 2021, Blanton said, "As a member of the Capitol Police Board, I advise my colleagues on the impacts to physical infrastructure of any security considerations being debated. My team plans, designs and constructs physical security infrastructure as approved by the Capitol Police Board and authorized by Congress." He went on further to confirm that he nor any AOC employee engaged in conversation with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) regarding a request for an emergency declaration or interest seeking National Guard support in advance of the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Blanton’s statements about his role on the Capitol Police Board and his actions have continued to contradict the need for a law-enforcement-equipped vehicle since the onset of this investigation.

Misrepresentation of Position

Each AOC vehicle assigned to Blanton was outfitted with an emergency equipment package, including law enforcement lights and sirens, a USCP radio and a satellite phone. In addition to downplaying any responsibility associated with driving a vehicle with emergency equipment activated, Blanton allowed his family to misuse and drive law-enforcement-equipped vehicles.

As a member of the Capitol Police Board, Blanton is issued credentials since he is charged with oversight and support of the USCP. The credentials allow the holder access to police information and secured areas without delay while carrying out their official duties. The credentials specifically do not delegate law enforcement authority. The investigation revealed that a minor accident involving the AOC-leased Jeep Grand Cherokee (EA 3080) took place in the parking lot of Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Ln., Leesburg, VA, 20176, on May 30, 2020. Blanton advised agents during two separate interviews that he could not recall the location of the accident. The other driver had backed out of a parking space and accidentally bumped into the Jeep Grand Cherokee that was parked along the roadway, not in a parking spot. When the driver inquired about Blanton’s insurance information, Blanton told him that it was a government vehicle, he was an "agent" and he did not have insurance information because the government would handle the insurance claim. Blanton advised his staff of the minor accident but did not obtain a police report or witness statements as required in the AOC Fleet Management policy. Digital evidence obtained from photographs provided by Blanton to his staff confirmed the AOC vehicle to be at the aforementioned location on the date and time of the accident.

On June 29, 2020, Blanton used an AOC vehicle to pursue a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident that took place in front of his residence. A vehicle belonging to R. Blanton's boyfriend was struck in front of Blanton's residence. The Fairfax County police report stated in part, "Ms. Blanton's husband, Mr. James Blanton, an off-duty DC police officer, then followed the Mustang through the neighborhood." The Fairfax County Police chronology report identified Blanton as the 911 caller and listed him as working for the USCP. ICV footage depicted a vehicle matching the Jeep Grand Cherokee belonging to the AOC parked on the street in front of the suspect’s residence. Interviews confirmed that, based on Blanton’s statements, affirmative