An investigation found that a Department of Housing and Community Affairs manager hired a relative without disclosing the relationship, according to a new report by Montgomery County’s Office of the Inspector General.
Nepotism in hiring is a violation of county personnel regulations.
“Both the manager and their relative lied to the OIG investigators when initially questioned about their relationship, but in subsequent interviews disclosed their connection and admitted to previously attempting to mislead the OIG,” said Inspector General Megan Davey Limarzi in the report titled, Public Synopsis- Investigation of Prohibited Personnel Practices at DHCA.
The investigation stemmed from a report to the OIG that a DHCA manager had hired friends and family and ensured they received preferential treatment for overtime hours, though the charge of preferential treatment for overtime was not substantiated, according to the OIG report.
Nepotism in hiring also was the subject of a March 2024 OIG report that found the DHCA employed three children and a sibling of four separate employees. Because they were hired as contract workers and not county employees, it was not considered a violation. However, the office was warned that nepotism hurts diversity hiring.
Rich Madaleno, the county’s Chief Administrative Officer, replied to the report, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the violation.”
Madaleno said that the county is “undertaking all necessary measures to ensure all responsible personnel involved are thoroughly investigated and that appropriate corrective action is taken” and has discussed the matter with DHCA leadership.
