By John Solomon
How the government's punishing of the exposure of official wrongdoing can linger for years
Susan Brita, deputy administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, who emerged as a whistleblower star for her role in uncovering an $800,000 taxpayer-funded Las Vegas conference, was herself a participant in a similar taxpayer-funded event just a few weeks later.
Another General Services Administration conference is coming under scrutiny and this one featured drumsticks, miniature pastries, a violinist and gift clocks instead of mind readers and clowns.
A top administrator at the General Services Administration who worked on President Obama's presidential transition team sought to keep secret the agency report that uncovered massive waste at a lavish taxpayer-funded GSA conference in Las Vegas, records show.
More than a dozen General Services Administration employees and executives from Washington were listed as attendees for the lavish taxpayer-funded Las Vegas conference in 2010 that featured magic shows, a mind reader and a red-carpet event where federal workers acted like Hollywood movie stars.
Except for the cocktails, beer and wine, many of the scenes from the now infamous 2010 General Services Administration conference gave the appearance of a fun summer camp.
The Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Mo., bills itself as a resort getaway with poolside attendants, a luxury spa and mountaintop tennis courts overlooking the clear waters of Table Rock Lake.
"We have taken strong action against those officials who are responsible and will continue to do so where appropriate," Mr. Tangherlini said. "We are taking steps to improve internal controls and oversight to ensure this never happens again."
Her replacement, acting GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini, has pledged reforms and a "top-to-bottom review" of agency operations.
More images, videos reveal GSA fun at 2010 Vegas conference →
