Smithsonian Ombuds First to Hear of Misconduct by Managers

An internal Smithsonian investigation concluded in 2003 that top supervisors at the institution's aeronautical restoration facility in Maryland were using government employees and materials for personal projects, according to legal proceedings last year. The issue was first raised by an employee, Michael Cross, in an e-mail to the Smithsonian ombuds. Cross was subsequently terminated and filed a whistleblower lawsuit that referenced his contacts with the ombuds. The Washington Post has the story, with more details about the suit at FedSmith. The case is still in litigation.