From: Isaac Arnsdorf Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 4:16 PM To: Mandreucci, Christina M . fb)(6) Wva .gov> Cc: VA Public Affairs ; Cashour, Curtis ~ b)(6) ~va.gov>; (b)(6) va. ov>; ! Su Ject: EXTERNAL Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Hi again, Here are some additional questions: 1. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he intend to do with that information? 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he spea k with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? 5. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) meeting in the Secretary's office? case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior st aff, including public affairs officials? (b) (6) 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff t hat he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 8. Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: Hi Christina, 58 of 327 Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary's comments today about the (b) (6) case? VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/wilkie-wants-toreview-case-of-vet-assa ulted-at-dc-va Thanks, Isaac Isaac Arnsdorf PROPUBLICA 202.886.9568 isaac.arnsdorf@propublica.org 59 of 327 From: Hutton, James Se nt: 6 Feb 2020 23:54:15 +0000 To: Hudson, William A. (OGC);Powers, Pamela Tucker, Brooks;Cashour, Curtis RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) Cc: Subje ct: case I called your number, no answer. James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-461~ Email: Jb)(6) fyva.gov Twitter: @ jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr. Blog From: Hudson, William A. (OGC) {bl(6) pva.gov> Se nt: Thursday, Februar 6 2020 6:48 PM To: Powers, Pamela b)(5 ) va.gov>; Hutton, James ,.......(b)(5) Cc: Tucker, Brooks b)(6) va.gov>; Cashour, Curtis b)(6) _____. va.gov> Subject: RE: Secretary s comments on (b) (6) case ~----~ James what's your direct. VR Bill William A. Hudson, Jr. Acting General Counsel Department of Veterans Affairs 202-461~ 5 From: RLW r l< l ~ va.gov> Se nt: Thursday, Februar 6, 2020 6:46 PM 5 To: Powers, Pamela (b)(5) va. ov>; Hutton, James J(b)( ) (b)(5) Cc: Tucker, Brooks va. ov>; Hudson, William A. (OGC) Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case l@va.gov> ~va.gov>; Done 60 of 327 Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Powers, Pamela ~(b)(B) ~ va.gov> Dat e: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 6:39 PM To: Hutton, James (b)(6) va . ov>, RLW ~~b)(6 b>va.gov> 5 Cc: Tucker, Brooks va. ov>, Hudson, William A. (OGcl._ Cb_lC _l _ _ _ ___.,~_v:..:a= .g=o;..a. v>, Cashour, Curtis (b)(B) va. ov> Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Recommend removing the last paragraph. Pamela Powers VA Chief of Staff From: Hutton, James { b)(B) ~va.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 6:32 PM To: RLW (b)(B) va. ov> Cc: Powers, Pamela< (b)(B) va. ov>, Tucker, Brooks b)(B) A. (OGC) 4Cb)(6) ~ va.gov>, Cashour, Curtis (b)(6) Subject: FW: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case va. ov>, Hudson, William va. ov> Pre-Decisional-Deliberative Process Mr. Secretary, Below is our recommended response. VR, James VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously, w hich is w hy th e department immediat ely reported this issue t o VA's independent inspector general as well as the deputy attorn ey general. Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG shou ld let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take appropriate action. b)(5) 61 of 327 ~b)(5) VA relies on the independent inspector eneral to find the facts andf~b_><5_>_ .....~ustice1 (b)(5) .___ _ __. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? A: As partof the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) A: He didn't. Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) service record? case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. Sec. Wilkie used the term "unsubstantiated" in his letter to Chairman Takano because he thought the IG surely would have brought charges or issued formal findings if the allegations were substantiated. James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 62 of 327 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-461 (b)(5 ) Emai (b)(5 ) VA on Facebook . Twitter. YouTube. Flickr. Blog From: Isaac Arnsdorf Se nt: Thursday, February 6, 2020 4:16 PM ~va.gov> To: Mandreucci, Christina M. l(b)(6) Cc: VA Public Affairs · Cashour Curtis 4b)(6) va. ov>; (b)(5) va . ov> (b)(6) Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) ~ va.gov>f._b_)<6_>_ _. case Hi again, Here are some additional questions: 1. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he intend to do with that information? 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry service record? seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he speak with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? 5. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? Why 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 8. Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac 63 of 327 On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: Hi Christina, Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary's comments today about the (b) (6) case? VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/wilkie-wants-to-reviewcase-of-vet-assaulted-at-dc-va Thanks, Isaac Isaac Arnsdorf PROPUBLICA 202.886.9568 isaac.arnsdorf@propublica .org 64 of 327 From: Hudson, William A. (OGC) Sent: 6 Feb 2020 23:56:24 +0000 To: RLW;Hutton, James Powers, Pamela;Tucker, Brooks;Cashour, Curtis RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Cc: Subject: Concur on removing last para. Sir, as discussed today I am still ~b)(5) I (b)(5) VR Bill William A. Hudson, Jr. Acting General Counsel Depart~eterans Affairs 202-4 6 1 ~ From: RLW ~va.gov> Sent: Thurslavi'ebruary 6, 2020 6:43 PM To: Hutton James b)(6) va.gov>; Tucker, Brooks <_,,,.,.,.,,.,...-_ _ _ @va.gov>; Hudson, l@va.gov>; Cashour, Curtis (b)(B) va.gov> Subject: RE: Secretary's comments onl(b)(6) I case ~ Made ~'b-)(S _l _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Hutton, James <[b)(B) ~ va.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 6:32 PM To: RLW {b)(6lc!>va.gov> 65 of 327 ~va.gov>, Cc: Powers, Pamela L...-e=:---...t::::::~ ==t. Hudson Willijm A. ( l(b)(5) va. ov>, Cashour, Curtis _@va.gov> Subject: FW: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Pre-Decisional-Deliberative Process Mr. Secretary, Below is our recommended response. VR, James VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously, which is why the department immediately reported this issue to VA's independent inspector general as well as the deputy attorney general. Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect our patients. VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts and .... tb_l<5_l_ _,lustice. We need his help to make sure our facilities are safe Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? A: As partof the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? A: He didn't. Never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor. Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? 66 of 327 A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meet ing with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. Sec. Wilkie used the term "unsubstantiated" in his letter to Chairman Takano because he thought the IG surely would have brought charges or issued formal findings if the allegations were substantiated. Again he defers to the IG and withdraws his words. James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-461- b)(6) Email: .i..._ b)(6) _ _ _J ; ; ;"--'--=:..O.::'-'Twitter: @jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr . Blog From: Isaac Arnsdorf Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 4:16 PM To: Mandreucci, Christina M. jL (b_l(_6l_ _ _ _ _ ___J-~ ~ Cc: VA Public Affairs ; b)(5 l Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) va. ov> case Hi again, Here are some additional questions: l. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he intend to do with that information? 67 of 327 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he speak with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? 5. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) meeting in the Secretary's office? case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs (b) (6) officials? 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 8. Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: Hi Christina, Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary's comments today about the (b) (6) case? VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/wilkie-wantsto-review-case-of-vet-assaulted-at-dc-va Thanks, Isaac 68 of 327 Isaac Arnsdorf PROPUBLICA 202.386.9568 isaac.arnsdorf@propublicanrg 69 of 327 From: RLW Sent: 7 Feb 2020 00:35:04 +0000 Hutton, James Powers, Pamela;Hudson, William A. (OGC);Cashour, Curtis RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case To: Cc: Subject: Have Bill Hudson give it one last scrub. Might want to add fb)(S) Sent with BlackBen-y Work (www.blackben-y.com) From: Hutton, James ~(b)(6) ©va.gov> Date: Thu , Feb 06, 2020, 7:16 PM To: RLW b)(5 l~ v_.!!;a.~ ~>, , - - - - , 5 Cc: Powers, amela b)( ) va. · ov> Hudson Wj])~ m A. (OGC) 1(b)(6) @ va.gov>, Cashour, Curtis l(b)(5) IDva.gov> Subject: FW: Secreta ry's comments on (b) (6) case Mr. Secretary, The new text, based on our conversation, is highlighted in red below: VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, Mike Missal, on September 23, 2019, "I am asking that you investigate this very serious matter and make it an immediate priority for your team. I have taken the liberty of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need to ca ll on his offices." Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect our patients. VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts an~~b-)(S _l _~~ustice. We need his help to make sure our facilities are safe Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 70 of 327 A: As partof the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to discl ose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct service record? his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) A: He didn't. (This is quote from Secretary Wilkie) "I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeated ly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how t his information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for t he language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-46J(b)(6) Email: (b)(5 ) Twitter!-:-:-r,::,;::--::e=utt ~o::--:n::--1--'-'-'='-'VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr . Blog From: RLW ~va.gov> Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 6:43 PM To: Hutton, James 4(b)(6) l@va.gov> 71 of 327 5 Cc: Powers, Pamela (b)(5) .,,...,..,,.,,..,....-___.~ va_....,_ o_,, v>; Tucker, Brooks <_fb_l<_l_ _ _~pva.gov>; Hudson, William A. ( 4(b)(6) ~va.gov> b)(6) va.gov>; Cashour, Curtis Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case 5 Made.... fb_l<_l_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _____, Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Hutton, James ~ (b)(6) )uva.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 6:32 To: RLW (b)(6) va. PM b)(6) va. ov>, Tuc~er Brooks 5 (b)(6) va. ov> Hudson, William A. (OGC)l(b)( ) ~ va.gov>, 5 as our, ur 1s (b)( ) va. ov> ,___ _ _ _ __. Cc: Powers, Pamela Subject: FW: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Pre-Decisional-Deliberative Process Mr. Secretary, Below is our recom mended response. VR, James James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: - b)(6) 5 Email: b)( ) ~ ,....,......,.---1=-~""'-'Twitter: @jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr . Blog From: Isaac Arnsdorf < lsaac.Arnsdorf@propublica.org> Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 4:16 PM 72 of 327 To: Mandreucci, Christina M. l(b)(6) I 1._________,..11/_v_a~.g_o_v> Cc: VA Public Affairs <..:. V.:...; A,_. P.;;;. u.;, b:.:.;Ii c:::.A.:.:.f.:..;; fa:.:.ir;,.;:s=.~.i,,;o~v;.:.>.1...;-=C:::.a::.:sh..:..:o::..::,ur, Curtis @va.gov> (b)(6) va. ov>l(b)(6) (b) (6) l(b)(6) l@va.gov> ~----~ Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Hi again, Here are some additional questions: 1. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he intend to do with that information? 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he speak with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? S. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) during a meeting in the Secretary's office? case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 8. Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: Hi Christina, 73 of 327 Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary' s comments today about the (b) (6) case? VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/wilkiewants-to-review-case-of-vet-assaulted-at-dc-va Thanks, Isaac Isaac Arnsdorf PROPUBLICA 202.886.9568 isaac.a rnsdorf@propublica.org 74 of 327 Sent: 7 Feb 2020 00:52:03 +0000 To: Hutton, James Powers, Pam ela;Hudson, William A. (OGC};Cashour, Curtis RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Cc: Subje ct: Go with Bill's recommendations Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) 75 of 327 Sent: 7 Feb 2020 01:01:28 +0000 To: Hutton, James;RLW Hudson, William A. (OGC);Cashour, Curtis RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) Cc: Subje ct: case James, please let WH Comms know. Pam Pamela Powers VA Chief of Staff ~(b)(6) b From: Hutton, James va.gov> Date: Thursda , Feb 06, 2020, 7:59 PM To: RLW (b)(6 va. ov> Powers Pamela < (b)(B) ,va. ov>, Hudson, William A. (OGC) (b)(B) @va.gov , as our, Curtis ~(b)(B) !j}va.gov> Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case @c: 76 of 327 From : Hutton, James Sent: 7 Feb 2020 01:08:15 +0000 To: Powers, Pamela;RLW Hudson, William A. (OGC);Cashour, Curtis RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) Cc: Subject: case Done Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Powers, Pamela < Jb)(6) ~ va.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb 06 2020 8:01 PM To: Hutton James b)(6) va ov> RLW Cc: Hudso~, William A. (OGC) (b)(6) . 1b)(6) p1va.gov> L __ _ _ _ _..J-'-'-=~ Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case James, please let WH Comms know. Pam Pamela Powers VA Chief of Staff From: Hutton, James l(b)(6) @va.gov> Date: T hursda Feb 06, 2020, 7:59 PM To: RL W (b)(6) .--------, va. ov> ,,,...,..,. ,,.,...-----, (b)(6) va. ov>, Hudson, William A. (OGC) 5 b)( ) va. ov>, Cashour, Curtis Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) Goidstem case Sir, roger. Message is on the way. VR, James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D .C . 20420 Office: 202-461-~ Em~i'i(b)(6) ~ va.gov Tw1tte1. @ 1e11ucco11 77 of 327 VA on Facebook . Twitter. YouTube . Flickr . B log From: RLW ~(b)(6l ~va.gov> Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 7:52 PM To: Hutton, James ~(b)(6) @va.gov> Cc: Powers, Pamela 4(b)(6) ~va.gov>; Hudson, William A. (OGC) ~(b)(5) @va.gov>; Cashour, Curtis Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Go with Bill's recommendations Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Hutton, James ~(b)(6) l@va.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 7:50 PM To: RLW (b)(6 va. ov> Cc: Powers, Pamela< (b)(5) va. ov>, Hudson, William A. (OGC) fb)(6) @va.gov>, Cashour, Curtis fb)(6) fil va.gov> Subject: FW: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Mr. Secretary, This statement below is w ith Bill's scrub. Bill recommended fbH5l VR, James VA t akes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, " I am asking that you investigate this very serious matter and make it an immediate priority for your team . I have taken the liberty of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need t o call on his offices." Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? 78 of 327 A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts, determine the truth, and obtain justice. The OIG has informed VA leadership the case is closed. Even for cases w ith substantial allegations that are declined for prosecution by the Department of Justice, OIG still reports its findings to VA management officia ls responsib le for taking action to address the find ings. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? A: As partof the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? A: He didn't. (This is quote from Secreta Wilkie "I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." (b)(5 ) b)(5) Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. James 79 of 327 James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-461- ~ Email: !(b)(6) @ va.gov Twitter: @ jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr . Blog From: Hudson, William A. (OGC) ~(b)(6) @va.gov> Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 7:35 PM To: Hutton, James b)(6) va. ov>; RLW rb)(5) ~ Va.gov> Cc: Powers, Pamela (b)(6) va. ov>; Cashour, Curtis "'"b.,..,, t)(6"'")- - - - ,@va.gov> Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case I madJ(b)(S) Calling James as we speak. VR Bill From: Hutton, James fb)(5) l@va.gov> Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 7:16 PM To: RLW~~va=._..,_=;: go v::.. .>_ _ _ _~ Cc: Powers, Pamela fb)(6) l@va .gov>; Hudson, William A. (OGC) ~(b)(6) ~ Va.gov> @va.gov>; Cashour, Curtis j(b)(6) (6) Subject: FW: Secret ary's comments on (b) (6) (b) (6) case Mr. Secretary, The new t ext, based on our conversation, is highlighted in red below: VA t akes all allegations of sexual assa ult seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, " I am asking that you investigate this very serious mat ter and make it an immediate priority for your team. I have taken the libert y of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need to call on his offices." 80 of 327 Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the fact s, determine the truth, and obtain justice. The OIG has informed VA leadership the case is closed. Even for cases with substantial allegations that are declined for prosecution by the Department of Justice, OIG still reports its findings to VA management officia ls responsible for taking action to address the find ings. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive t hat information? A: As partof the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? A: He didn't. (This is quote from Secreta Wilkie " I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." b)(5) b)(5) Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for t he language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. 81 of 327 James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D .C. 20420 Office: 202-461 (b)(5 ) Email:.(b)(6) _ __ _ _ _.J-'--'-= = ~ Twitter: @ jehutton VA on Facebook. Twitter. YouTube. Flickr. Blog From: RLW jb)(6 ~ va.gov> Sent: Thurs ay, ebruary 6, 2020 6:43 PM To: Hutton, James 4(b)(6) Cc: Powers, Pamela b)(6) Hudson, William A. (OGC) b)(5) l(b)(6) @va.gov> r)( @ va.gov> 5 ) va. ov>; Tucker, Brooks va . ov>; Cashour, Curtis Subject: RE : Secretary's comments on (b) (6) ~ va.gov>; case 5 Made .... l'b_)<- )_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _____. Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Hutton, James~b)(5) Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, To: RLW b)(6 ) va. OV> Cc: Powers, Pamela (b)(6) ~ va.gov> 6:32 PM va. ov>, Tucker, Brooks (b)(6) va. ov> Hudson, W illiam A. (OGC)l(b)(6) ~ va.gov>, Cashour, Curtis (b)(5) va. ov> i___ _ _ _ __ i -~ Subject: FW: Secre ary s comments on (b) (6) case Pre-Decisional-Deliberative Process Mr. Secretary, Below is our recommended response. VR, James James 82 of 327 James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 b)(5 ) Office: 5 Email: l(b)( ) __ _ ___i;;....:..-=c:.o.::-"Twitter: @jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . Y ouTube . Flickr . Blog From: Isaac Arnsdorf Sent: Thursday, February 6, 20t,P 4·16 PM 5 To: Mandreucci, Christina M . .fb)( ) bva.gov> Cc: VA Public Affairs ; Cashour, Curtis 5 b)(6) va. ov>; l(b)(6) pva.gov>; l~ (b_><_ >_ _ _~ va. ov> Subject: [EXTERNAL) Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Hi again, Here are some addit ional questions: 1. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he intend to do with that information? 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie service record? conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he speak with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? 5. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) during a meeting in the Secretary's office? case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with t he information he collected about Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including Ms. (b) (6) public affairs officials? 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 83 of 327 8. Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: Hi Christina, Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary's comments today about the (b) (6) case? VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/wilkiewants-to-review-case-of-vet-assa ulted-at-dc-va Thanks, Isaac Isaac Arnsdorf PROPUBLICA 202.886.9568 isaac.arnsdorf@propublica.org 84 of 327 Sent: From: Powers, Pamela 7 Feb 2020 01:33:02 +0000 To: l(b)(6) Subject: Media Request IEOP/WHO As discussed, we received media requests from WAPO, WSJ and Pro Publica. All three centered around the DC Sexual Assault allegation and all are intended to attack the Secretary's deliberations on the subject. We expect they are coming from the previous DepSec. Below is our response. VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, " I am asking t hat you investigate t his very serious matter and make it an immediat e priority for your team. I have taken the libert y of cc'ing the Deput y Attorney General should you need to call on his offices." Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts, determine the truth, and obtai n justice. The OIG has informed VA leadership the case is closed. Even for cases w ith substantial allegations that are declined for prosecution by the Department of Justice, OIG still reports its findings to VA management officia ls responsib le for taking action to address the find ings. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? A: As part of the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While t he IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct service record? his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) A: He didn't. (This is quote from Secretary Wilkie) "I never would do that to a fellow officer- it is a breach of honor." 85 of 327 Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this informat ion might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. Pam Pamela Powers VA Chief of Staff 86 of 327 To: 7 Feb 2020 01:33:06 +0000 ~(b)(6) FOP/WHO Subject: FW: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) Sent: case Pamela Powers VA Chief of Staff VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, " I am asking that you investigate this very serious matter and make it an immediate priority for your t eam. I have t aken the liberty of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need to call on his offices." Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts, determine the truth, and obtain j ustice. The OIG has informed VA leadership t he case is closed. Even for cases with substantial allegations t hat are declined for prosecution by the Department of Justice, OIG still reports its findings to VA management officials responsible for taking action to address the findings. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? A: As partof the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose 87 of 327 wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? A: He didn't. (This is quote from Secretary Wilkie) "I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information Why did he repeatedly share he collected about Ms. (b) (6) it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of PubIic and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D. 20420 Office: 202-461 (b)(B) Emailfb)(6) Eyva.gov Twitter: @ jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr . Blog 88 of 327 ~ He1 va.gov> Sent: Thursday, Februar 6 2020 7:35 PM To: Hutton, James (b)(B) va. ov>; RLW~va.gov> Cc; Powers Pamela i; Cashour, Curtis @va.gov> Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case I (b)(S) VR Bill From: Hutton, James ~(b)(B) Sent: Thursda To: RL @va.gov> February 6, 2020 7:16 PM Subject: FW: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Mr. Secretary, The new text, based on our conversation, is highlighted in red below: VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, " I am asking that you investigate this very serious matter and make it an immediate priority for your t eam. I have taken the liberty of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need to call on his offices." Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. 89 of 327 VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the fact s, determine the truth, and obtain j ustice. The OIG has informed VA leadership the case is closed. Even for cases w ith substantial allegations that are declined for prosecution by the Department of Justice, OIG still reports its findings to VA management officials responsible for taking action to address the findings. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? A: As partof the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? A: He didn't. (This is quote from Secretary Wilkie) "I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." l"'' Q : Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information Why did he repeatedly share he collected about Ms. (b) (6) it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q : What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? 90 of 327 A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word . James James Hutton Assistant Secretary O ffice of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-46 J-!(b)(6) Emailfb)(6) l@va.gov Twitter: @ jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr . Blog I 5 From: RLW fb)( ) pva.gov> Sent : Thursday, February 6, 2020 6 :43 PM To: Hutton, James @va.gov>; Tucker, Brooks Cc: Powers Pamela {b)(6) (b)(6) va. ov>; Hudson, William A. (OGC) 6,) - - - 1 - -J ;;;:.v.!..!a~·o:o=v>; Cashour, Curtis mb:v)(:;,- (b)(6) Subject: RE: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Made ~l (b_)(_ S)- - - - - - - - - - - - ~ Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Hutton, James Jb)(5) 5?va.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 6:32 PM To: RLW~ va.gov> Cc: Powers, Pamela b)(6) va. ov>, Tucker, ov>, Hudson, William A. Brooks (b)(6) \;\:';'~:...::.c: ,,,. (b:= )(;6)=~===~~:~ ; ;:;~~~ >, Cashour, Curtis Subject: FW: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Pre-Decisional-Deliberative Process Mr. Secretary, 91 of 327 Below is our recom mended response. VR, James James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-461- b)(6) 6) Email: .(b)( I . . . - - - -...U:::"--'----"'..'..o.,c'--'Twitter: @ jehutton VA on Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Flickr. Blog From: Isaac Arnsdorf Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 4:16 PM To: Mandreucci. Christina M. ~(b)(5) @va.gov> Cc: VA Public Affairs ; CashourI Curtis (b)(6 ) 6) l(b)(6) ~ va.go f bl(6) @va.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on case (b) (6) Hi again, Here are some additional questions: 1. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more det ails about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he int end to do with t hat information? 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? 92 of 327 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he speak with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? 5. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? case 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with t he information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 8. Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: Hi Christina, Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary's comments today about the case? (b) (6) VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and 93 of 327 Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.ra dio.com/articles/wilkie-wants-toreview-case-of-vet-assa ulted-at-dcva Thanks, Isaac Isaac Arnsdorf PROPUBLICA 202.886.9568 isaac.arnsdorf@propublica.org 94 of 327 From: RLW Sent: 7 Feb 2020 01:51:40 +0000 To: Cc: Hutton, James Powers, Pamela;Hudson, William A. (OGC);Cashour, Curtis;Mandreucci, Christina M. Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Did Crenshaw say he did not talk about it Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) 5 From: Hutton, James f b)( ) bva.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 8:47 PM To: RLW b)(6)""v-'-'a~.~ ~ - - - - , ~~..................__..........'-'t - - - - - ----11:~v-'-"a'-.'-I""o'-'v.> , Hudson, William A. (OGC) i!:--:--:=-----____u~ ::.1; - ~oc!'..v.>, Cas hour, Curtis <{ b)(6) tyva.gov>, Mandreucci, Christina M. va. ov> Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Mr Secretary, Isaac responded with another question (below). If this response is sufficient please let me know and we will forward. DRAFT RESPONSE: At the meeting there was no discussion about Ms. (b) (6) VR, James From: Mandreucci, Christina M. '{b)(6) l@va.gov> Date: Thursday Feb 06 2020 8·37 PM 5 5 ) To: Cashour, C~rtis @va.gov>, Hutton, James 1(b)( ) Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) f )( ~ va.gov> case FYI- 95 of 327 Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Isaac Amsdorf Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020,r.,'8~·2~8~P~M~-----, To: Mandreucci, Christina M . j(b)(B) @va.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case To clarify, is the Secretary denying that he discussed (b) (6) "case" with Crenshaw (meaning the allegation that she was sexually assault at the DC VAMC in September) or discussing her with him at all? On Feb 6, 2020, at 8:04 PM, Mandreucci, Christina M. {b)(B) ~ va.gov> wrote: Isaac, please see below, attributable to me unless otherwise noted. Please confirm receipt. VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, "I am asking that you investigate this very serious matter and make it an immediate priority for your team. I have taken the liberty of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need to call on his offices." Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts, determine the truth, and obtain justice. The OIG has informed VA leadership the case is closed. Even for cases with substantial allegations that are declined for prosecution by the Department of Justice, OIG still reports its findings to VA management officials responsible for taking action to address the findings. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 96 of 327 A: As part of the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? A: He didn't. (Attribute this quote to Secretary Wilkie) "I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information Why did he repeatedly share he collected about Ms. (b) (6) it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. Thanks, Christina Mandreucci Press Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs 202-461 b)(5) b)(6) @cmandreucci From: Isaac Arnsdorf Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 4 :16 PM To: Mandreucci, Christina M.rb)(5) ~ Va.gov> 97 of 327 Cc: VA Public Affairs · Cashour, Curtis I Kb)(6) b)(6) va. ov>· (b)(6) va. ov>; va. ov> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Hi again, Here are some additional questions: 1. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he intend to do with that information? 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While the IG/DOJ investigation was st ill pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. service record? (b) (6) 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he speak with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? 5. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he Why did he repeatedly share it with collected about M s. (b) (6) his senior staff, including public affairs officials? 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 8 . Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: 98 of 327 Hi Christina, Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary's comments case? today about the (b) (6) VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.radio.com/art icles/wi Ikie-wa nts-to-review-case-of-vetassa uIted-at-dc-va Thanks, Isaac Isaac Arnsdorf PRO PUB LICA 202.886.9568 isaac.arnsdorf@propublica.org 99 of 327 From: Hutton, James Sent: 7 Feb 2020 02:36:30 +0000 To: RLW RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) Subject: case Correct Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: RLW b)(5 ) Date: Thursday, > v . Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Did Crenshaw say he did not talk about it Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) 5 From: Hutton, James 1 b)( ) @va.gov> Date: Thursda , Feb 06, 2020, 8:47 PM To: RLW (b)(6 l~v'..!!ac:.!a . ~ ~ ----, 5 r-=--=--=-..:..:....:.a='-':....:a=m=ea.:.;la b)( ) va. ov>, Hudson, William A. (OGC) > - ~ - - - -_.i,;;..;v..;;a"".""o'-'--v>, Cashour, Curtis ~(b)(6) !@va.gov>, Mandreucci, Christina M. va. ov> Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Mr Secretary, Isaac responded with another question (below). If this response is sufficient please let me know and we will forward. DRAFT RESPONSE: At the meeting there was no discussion about Ms. (b) (6) 100 of 327 YR, James 5 From: Mandreucci, Christina M. fb)( ) ~va.gov> Date: Thursday, Feb Q6 2020 8·37 PM To: Cashour, Curtis 1 (b)(5) @va.gov>, Hutton, James 1(b)(6) Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL) Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) ~va.gov> case FYI - Sent with BlackBerry Work (www.blackberry.com) From: Isaac Arnsdorf Date: Thursday, Feb 06, 2020, 8,.,,.:""' 28~ P~ M~ - - - - - - , To: Mandreucci, Christina M. Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case To clarify, is the Secretary denying that he discussed (b) (6) "case" with Crenshaw (meaning the allegation that she was sexually assault at the DC VAMC in September) or discussing her with him at all? On Feb 6, 2020, at 8:04 PM, Mandreucci, Christina M. f bl(5) ~va.gov> wrote: Isaac, please see below, attributable to me unless otherwise noted. Please confirm receipt. VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secret ary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, "I am asking that you investigate this very serious matter and make it an immediate priority for your team. I have taken the liberty of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need to call on his offices." Q: Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? A: At a minimum, the IG should let VA and committee leaders know if it s investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. 101 of 327 VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts, determine the truth, and obtain justice. The OIG has informed VA leadership the case is closed. Even for cases with substantial allegations that are declined for prosecution by the Department of Justice, OIG still reports its findings to VA management officials responsible for taking action to address the findings. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe. Q: What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? A: As part of the IG's stated mission to conduct "effective oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs," the IG has a responsibility to disclose wrongdoing or improper behavior among VA employees if the IG has documented it. Q: While the IG/DOJ investigation was still pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. (b) (6) service record? A: He didn't. (Attribute this quote to Secretary Wilkie) "I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." Q: Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? A: He didn't. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information Why did he repeatedly share he collected about Ms. (b) (6) it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. This is false. Q: What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? A: The premise of your question is incorrect. Never said that period. Q: Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? A: Sec. Wilkie had a 90-minute meeting with her last week, and he agreed that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words. He withdraws that word. Thanks, 102 of 327 Christina Mandreucci Press Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs 202-461-l(b)(5) 1Cb)(6) @va.gov I @cmandreucci From: Isaac Arnsdorf Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 4:16 PM To: Mandreucci, Christina M. fb)(6) @va .gov> Cc: VA Public Affairs ; Cashour, Curtis l(b)(5) l@va.gov>j(b)(6) pva.gov>; fb)(6) Wva.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Secretary's comments on (b) (6) case Hi again, Here are some additional questions: 1. Why does Secretary Wilkie want more details about the investigative findings to be shared with VA leadership? What does he intend to do with that information? 2. What is the legal authority for VA leadership to receive that information? 3. While t he IG/DOJ investigation was st ill pending, why did Secretary Wilkie conduct his own inquiry seeking information about Ms. service record? (b) (6) 4. What did this inquiry consist of? Where did he get this information? Whom did he speak with and why? What records did he review and how did he obtain them? 5. Why did Secretary Wilkie discuss Ms. (b) (6) case with Rep. Dan Crenshaw during a meeting in the Secretary's office? 6. What did Secretary Wilkie intend to do with the information he collected about Ms. (b) (6) Why did he repeatedly share it with his senior staff, including public affairs officials? 7. What did Secretary Wilkie mean when he told his staff that he wondered how this information might get out? 7. Why was this an appropriate use of official resources? 103 of 327 8. Will Secretary Wilkie accept Rep. Brownley's request to apologize for the language in his Jan. 15 letter? Thanks, Isaac On Feb 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, Isaac Arnsdorf wrote: Hi Christina, Could you please confirm the statement you made to Abbie Bennett clarifying the Secretary's comments case? today about the (b) (6) VA spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told Connecting Vets Wednesday afternoon that Wilkie "is not calling for a reopening of the investigation" but instead is "calling on the independent IG and the U.S. Attorney to provide detailed investigative findings to VA leadership, committee leaders and Ms. (b) (6) https://connectingvets.radio.com/art icles/wi Iki e-wa nts-to-review-case-of-veta ssa uIted-at-dc-va Thanks, Isaac Isaac Arnsdorf PRO P U B LICA 202.886.9568 isaac.arnsdorf@propublica.org 104 of 327 From: Sent: To: (OGC);Cashour, Curtis Subject: Powers, Pamela 7 Feb 2020 17:45:06 +0000 Hutton, James;Syrek, Christopher D. (Chris);Hudson, William A. RE: Wilkie investigation into (b) (6) Pamela Powers VA Chief of Staff ~~'-'-""-'""-"-...L.., Syrek, Christo her D. Chris va. ov>, Hudson, William A. (OGC) (b)(6) va. ov>, Cashour, '---.,.,....,...,.,,,.....-----"'.......--' va.....~ov> ~----~ Subject: FW: Wilkie investigation into (b) (6) All, Please review the responses to the questions below. We a quick-turn. The bulk of the responses are similar to responses we put together last night for another query. James James Hutton Assistant Secretary Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Office: 202-461 b)(6) 6 ) _ _ _J.::2-:....=..i=-:Emai ,__ (b)(_ Twitter: @ jehutton VA on Facebook. Twitter . YouTube . Flickr . Blog Military Times Query VA takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously. As the Secretary wrote to the VA IG, on September 23, 2019, "I am asking that you investigate t his very serious matter and make it an immediate priority for your team. I have taken the liberty of cc'ing the Deputy Attorney General should you need to call on his offices." Allegation: I have been told that contrary to public remarks that the IG would handle the investigation into (b) (6) Secretary Wilkie made several calls investigating her background, including her military experience and past employment. I 105 of 327 have also heard that he was encouraging members of the VA staff to make this information known more publicly in an attempt to discredit her. Response: These allegations are false. Q: Did Secretary Wilkie conduct a separate investigation into the alleged DC medical center sexual assault? A: He didn't. (Attribute this quote to Secretary Wilkie) "I never would do that to a fellow officer-it is a breach of honor." Q: Was that investigation the basis of the decision to send out a letter to House Vet had made up the incident? Affairs implying that (b) (6) A: The premise of this question is false and we disagree with your characterization of the letter. See above. Sec. Wilkie acknowledges that describing the allegations as "unsubstantiated" was a poor choice of words, and he withdraws that word. Sec. Wilkie used the term "unsubstantiated" in his letter to Chairman Takano because he thought the IG surely would have brought charges or issued formal findings to VA if the allegations were substantiated. According to the VA IG's website, " For cases with substantiated allegations that are declined for prosecution, OIG reports its find ings to VA management officials responsible for taking action to address the find ings." Q: Did the secretary not trust t he IG to conduct a full investigation into the incident? A: The IG has saidit conducted a thorough investigation, and VA accepts that. lper the VA IG's website, t he IG should let VA and committee leaders know if its investigation found any wrongdoing so the department can take action to protect and safeguard our patients. f b)(S) According to the VA IG's website, " For cases with substantiated allegations that are declined for prosecution, OIG reports its find ings to VA management officials responsible for taking action to address the find ings." r b)(5) VA relies on the independent inspector general to find the facts, determine the truth, and obtain justice. We need this help to make sure our facilities are safe, l(b)(5) r )(S) I I 106 of 327 Q: Secretary Wilkie said earlier this week he is not satisfied with the results of that investigation. Is that because he wants the DC medical center fully cleared and the (b) (6) accusation labeled as a made-up story? A: l(b)(5) I b)(5) VA relies on the inde endent ins ector eneral to find t he facts and~justice.~ b)(5) I_I From: Shane Ill, Leo Sent: Friday, February 7, 2020-11~:-=-01:....a...aA"""M'------, 5 To: Mandreucci, Christina M. fbl( l pva .gov>; Cashour, Curtis 5 l(bl( l ~ va.gov>; Hutton, James!(b)(6) l@va.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Wilkie investigation into (b) (6) I think another news outlet may have already reached out on this topic. If t hat's the case, please let me know what statement you have on this. I have been told that contrary to public remarks that the IG would handle the invest igation into (b) (6) Secretary Wilkie made several calls invest igating her background, including her military experience and past employment. I have also heard that he was encouraging members of the VA staff to make th is informat ion known more publicly in an attempt to discredit her. -- Did Secretary Wilkie conduct a separate investigation into the alleged DC medical center sexual assault? -- Was that investigation the basis of t he decision to send out a letter to House Vet Affairs implying that (b) (6) had made up the incident? -- Did the secretary not trust the IG to conduct a full investigation into the incident? -- Secretary Wilkie said earlier this week he is not satisfied with the results of that investigation. Is that because he wants the DC medical center fully cleared and the (b) (6) accusation labeled as a made-up story? Working to publish t his ASAP, please let me know as soon as you have someth ing available. Leo Shane Ill Deputy Editor, Military Times lshane@militarytimes.com 107 of 327 202-656-3039 108 of 32?