Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released the “Report of Investigation: Mr. William K. Lietzau, Former Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.” The investigation found that Mr. Lietzau sexually harassed a subordinate by engaging in unwelcome conduct and making comments that created a hostile work environment, and created the appearance that he favored her and engaged in a sexual relationship with her, in violation of DoD and other U.S. Government policies.
The investigation also substantiated allegations that Mr. Lietzau made unauthorized disclosures of Privacy Act-protected information and used his public office for the benefit of a relative and a family friend; engaged in prohibited political activity using Government resources; misused his official title and time, and misused his subordinates’ official time, to support a non-Federal entity; and consumed and encouraged subordinates to consume alcohol in the workplace without written authorization. These actions violated the Privacy Act, the Hatch Act, DoD and Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency policies, and other rules and regulations.
IG Storch stated, “Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated in the workplace. This investigation, which was initiated based on an anonymous complaint to the DoD Hotline, highlights the importance of individuals providing information concerning sexual harassment and other potential wrongdoing to the DoD OIG and other appropriate authorities. As reflected in the report of investigation released today, such information from whistleblowers is essential to our ability to address sexual harassment and to detect and deter misuse of position and other misconduct within the senior ranks of the Department of Defense.”
As Mr. Lietzau retired from federal service in October 2023, the DoD OIG recommended that a copy of the report be placed in his DoD personnel file. We also recommended that the report of investigation be examined by the DoD to determine if a review or additional training related to information protected by the Privacy Act is warranted.