FBI failed to report all child sex abuse allegations to law enforcement agencies: Watchdog
The FBI failed to report all child sexual abuse cases to the proper law enforcement agencies, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) said in a report released Thursday.
The report reviewed more than 300 incidents between 2021 and 2023 of a “hands-on sex offense against a child or a similar offense.”
The report found that the FBI complied with its mandatory reporting requirements to local law enforcement only about 50 percent of the time, and when it did make a report, only 43 percent of cases were reported within the FBI’s required 24-hour period.
The FBI was required to make changes in how it handled such cases after former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was convicted of abusing dozens of athletes, including stars of the U.S. Olympic team.
“Since the time of the FBI’s handling of the child sexual abuse allegations of Lawrence Gerard Nasar, the FBI implemented a new tips management system with additional controls for active and ongoing abuse allegations,” the report said. “However, we found the FBI did not document and process all allegations in its new system.”
The report also found victim services were not offered to all eligible people. Under FBI and DOJ policy, eligible victims must be identified and provided information about services available to them. Thirty-six percent of people eligible in the review were not provided appropriate services or case status updates.
The FBI largely complied with its forensic in-person interviews with minors, the OIG’s press release said.
One of the issues facing the agency may be lack of available resources, the OIG said.
The FBI’s program with high caseloads can affect an agent’s ability to immediately respond to the incoming allegations. The number of allegations being reported has increased in recent years and FBI officials say resources are a “significant challenge” for the program.
The OIG said the FBI said additional training is needed to improve the current non-compliance rate with the established FBI policies and procedures.
The watchdog made 11 recommendations. The FBI agreed with those recommendations, the report said, and has already taken correction action efforts on two of them.
The Hill has reached out to the FBI for comment. A senior official told The Associated Press the bureau has made mistakes but the “vast majority of work” has been handled appropriately.
The official said it’s a “no-fail mission” to ensure the safety and security of children. It’s one that the FBI said it is “committed to fulfilling with the highest standards.”
Date: |
-
CBS Sports - Sports
NBA free agency: Cavaliers agree to three-year, $38 million deal with Isaac Okoro, per report
Okoro was a restricted free agent5 hours ago - NBA -
CBS Sports - Sports
NBA free agency: Lakers agree to deal with 7-footer Christian Koloko, per reports, add frontcourt depth
Koloko was referred to the league's Fitness-to-Play Panel earlier this year due to blood clots5 hours ago - NBA -
BBC News - Top stories
'I'm trapped in a joint mortgage with my abuser'
An abuse survivor describes her ordeal as a charity calls for action to tackle financial abuse.38 minutes ago -
ESPN - Sports
Liverpool ratings: Salah, Alexander-Arnold fail to fire in defeat to Forest
The Reds' attack was shockingly toothless as Arne Slot's side succumbed to its first league defeat of the new season.3 hours ago -
The Wall Street Journal - World
Rich Americans Prep Fail-Safe Estate Plans Ahead of Election
With the presidential race in a dead heat, wealthy Americans are calling estate lawyers.1 hour ago -
CBS Sports - Sports
UEFA Champions League: Will new format help Kylian Mbappe-less PSG's chances of winning it all?
French giants made a semifinal run in the final year of the old setup1 hour ago -
CBS News - Top stories
Ohio police dispute new allegations immigrants are eating pets in Dayton
Sen. JD Vance and others shared a new video and article alleging African immigrants were seen preparing to grill dead cats.3 hours ago -
CBS News - Top stories
3 U.S. citizens, 2 Spaniards held over alleged plot to "destabilize" Venezuela
Three American citizens, two Spaniards and a Czech citizen have been detained in Venezuela on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the country through "violent actions."1 hour ago -
CBS Sports - Sports
NFL hands down multiple Week 1 fines: Chiefs docked $100K, four fined from Raiders-Chargers fight, per reports
The league hit many players' wallets early this season3 hours ago - NFL
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Mary Trump on debate: Winners don’t ‘turn down’ the chance to ‘win again’
Former President Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, said she thinks her uncle knows he lost the presidential debate earlier this week because winners don’t turn down the opportunity to “win again.” Mary ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Russia, Ukraine exchange more than 200 in prisoner swap
Russia and Ukraine both announced Saturday that more than 200 people were freed in a prisoner swap between the two countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a statement and video ...2 hours ago - Ukraine -
The Hill - Politics
Advocacy groups sue Alabama over voter roll purge
A lawsuit brought forward by several advocacy groups alleges that four individuals in Alabama have been unfairly targeted by the state's voter roll purge ahead of the presidential election in ...3 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
GOP likes its chances of defeating Tester in Montana
Republicans are feeling better and better about their chances of knocking off Sen. Jon Tester (D) in Montana’s hotly contested Senate race, which would greatly increase their chances of winning ...5 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
Home Depot to pay almost $2 million for false advertising, unfair competition
Home improvement company Home Depot agreed to pay nearly $2 million to settle a civil complaint from multiple California district attorneys, alleging the company took part in false advertising and ...5 hours ago