Resignation and Ethics Violation
Caroline Lian, a high-ranking official in Washington D.C.’s Department of Buildings, has resigned following an ethics investigation that uncovered her undisclosed second full-time job with Freddie Mac. Lian, who served as Deputy Director and was the second-highest-ranking official in the department, was found to have violated the city’s code of ethics by maintaining dual employment without proper disclosure.
Investigation Findings
The ethics investigation revealed that Lian had been working for Freddie Mac since 2015 but failed to disclose this information to the D.C. government when she was hired as Chief Operations Officer in 2022 and subsequently promoted to Deputy Director in 2023. Lian managed a hybrid work schedule, alternating between working from home and in the office for both jobs, which allowed her to conceal her dual employment.
According to records from the D.C. Board of Ethics and Government Accountability, she had been working for the D.C. government since October 2022, earning $175,000 a year, but at the same time, she was earning a six-figure salary from Freddie Mac. https://t.co/v3QM32rC7W
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Financial Implications and Consequences
The scandal has significant financial implications, as Lian was earning $175,000 per year from her position with the D.C. government while also receiving a six-figure salary from Freddie Mac. As a result of the ethics violation, Lian has agreed to pay a $25,000 fine.
The case has been referred to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for further investigation, with local law enforcement involvement. This incident marks the second time a high-ranking D.C. official has resigned and been fined for working a second full-time job while on D.C. government time, raising concerns about oversight and ethical standards within the city’s administration.
Public Trust and Accountability
The scandal has raised serious questions about public trust and accountability in government roles. Lian’s failure to disclose her employment with Freddie Mac not only to the D.C. government but also to the City of Falls Church, where she served as a City Council Member, has undermined confidence in the transparency of public officials.
The Department of Buildings has emphasized its commitment to ensuring employees follow required practices, but the incident has highlighted the need for stronger ethical guidelines and more rigorous vetting processes for government officials.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
As the investigation into Lian’s financial disclosures and outside employment continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in public service. The scandal has prompted discussions about the need for stricter enforcement of ethical standards and the potential implementation of more comprehensive background checks for government employees, especially those in high-ranking positions.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms and the potential for similar ethical violations to go undetected. As the public and government officials alike grapple with the implications of this scandal, it is clear that rebuilding trust and ensuring accountability will be crucial priorities for the D.C. government moving forward.
Sources
- D.C. buildings official resigns after probe finds she had 2nd full-time job
- DC official resigns after report finds she was working a second full time job
- Ex-DC official with secret 2nd job is referred for investigation in Northern Virginia
- DC official resigns after investigation finds she had 2 full-time jobs
- Deputy Director of DC Buildings resigns after ethics investigation
