The Ohio Inspector General is announcing an investigation after initial investigating the private business interests of Lauren McGarity, former Director of Special Projects at the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
(Ohio) Officials have determined McGarity improperly used her state email, desk phone, and computers to conduct personal business. She also is accused of making several calls using her personal phone during the work day to further her private business interests, including WinWin Inc., and her son’s business.
Investigators note McGarity was the founder and executive director of WinWin Inc., which entered into a series of contracts with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Investigators also determined that McGarity improperly used her position by identifying herself as an ODHE employee and using her state email account to contact Ohio Senate staff to discuss legislation that would advance the interests of her personal business, WinWin Academy.
The Ohio Inspector General also determined wrongdoing for McGarity’s failure to accurately report her hours of work over three hundred occasions.
The report of investigation has been sent to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney and the Columbus City Attorney for consideration.
The full report is available here: http://watchdog.ohio.gov/investigations/2017investigations.aspx
Michaela Madison Reporting
