Security Personnel at National Laboratory Falsified Records and Banked Unnecessary Overtime, Audit Finds
An unnamed manager was accused of pressuring other employees to alter project codes on time sheets to allocate more time to projects that they did not work, an action which constitutes timecard fraud. The manager also allegedly encouraged employees to work unnecessary overtime, costing the government tens of thousands of dollars. The DoE substantiated both charges in its Inspector General (IG) review.
The same manager was also accused of preferential treatment, including hiring his wife’s best friend and providing interview questions in advance, but DoE auditors were unable to substantiate these charges.
Sandia National Labs manages sensitive national security projects, including the U.S. nuclear weapons program.
Misunderstanding of Budget Procedures
The manager admitted to asking employees to alter time sheets and work unnecessary overtime, claiming that he thought he was being asked to do so by upper level management of the Sandia National Lab. The IG attributed his actions to a misunderstanding of proper budget procedures on the employee’s part, according to the full report.
However, the accused manager initially denied asking employees to alter their timecards before confessing to the practice in a subsequent interview, indicating he likely knew his actions were illegal.
While not attributing fraudulent or criminal intent to the manager, the DoE’s report noted that it was in violation of Sandia National Lab’s Time Card Policy and Code of Ethics and Standards, which all employees must follow.
The IG’s report did not name the Sandia employee accused of encouraging the time card fraud, describing him only as a personnel security manager for the facility.
The personnel security department manages access to the secure facility, including issuing badges and verifying clearances in addition to other physical security duties.
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