Page:J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, Abused His Authority, Misused Government Property and Wasted Taxpayer Money, Among Other Substantiated Violations.pdf/8

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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 Commonwealth's Attorney or the suspect's defense counsel. He also admitted to using an AOC vehicle on the weekend to drive to Aldie, VA, to meet with individuals who were interested in "government affairs type work." These actions are direct violations of the AOC Government Ethics policy.

During interviews, Blanton provided the OIG misleading and false information on multiple occasions. He indicated that he could not recall taking the vehicle on an overnight or out-of-town trip or recall where the Vanish Farmwoods Brewery accident took place (and stated it was near his residence); he also disagreed that his "incidental" use of the vehicle was frequent. Blanton told the OIG that he was advised the vehicle was to be "tethered" to him and that he used the AOC vehicle to run local errands or transport his children, but he would not "call it daily by any stretch of the imagination." Blanton stated that AOC policy governing vehicle use does not apply to his vehicle because it was separately appropriated. In a follow-up interview with the OIG and USAO, Blanton continued to provide misleading information and then confirmed that he came to his own conclusions that the vehicle was “tethered” to him and needed to be with him at all times. Blanton told investigators in multiple interviews that the AOC’s General Counsel and former Acting Architect had advised him of the permissible use of the vehicle. Both individuals, in multiple interviews, testified to the opposite.

Appropriations Violations

When deciding to procure the 2021 Ford Explorer ST, Blanton and his staff decided to purchase the vehicle outright versus using a GSA program or lease option. Blanton requested the tint be lessened (only on the back window where the emergency equipment is displayed, not on the side windows); a bench seat be added in the second row instead of captain's chairs to add additional seating (according to R. Blanton, this was at the request of his daughters to have more room for guests); the advanced technology package be removed; a covert Washington, D.C., license plate be used instead of a U.S. Government license plate; and a global positioning system (GPS) tracking device be removed when the new security equipment was installed. Although the OCSO coordinates the equipment in the Architect’s vehicle, email evidence was found that outlined the OCSO's own concerns of violating applicable Appropriations Law regarding the OSCO both purchasing and maintaining the Architect's vehicle.

The 2021 Ford Explorer ST cost the agency $49,033.64 to buy outright and an additional $37,458.74 to outfit it with emergency equipment. Once obtained, the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2020 Ford Explorer belonging to the OCSO were both outfitted with D.C. license plates versus AOC license plates, making it more difficult and less transparent to track or report on by future complainants.

According to the original appropriations for the motor vehicle, the AOC is authorized "for purchase or exchange, maintenance, and operation of a passenger motor vehicle." The OIG has