Congressman Barney Frank
Representing Massachusetts' 4th District

Reps. Tierney, Frank, and Jones Question NOAA’s Decision to Keep Former Law Enforcement Director, Dale Jones, on Payroll
August 4, 2010

Gloucester, MA – Reps. John Tierney (D-MA), Barney Frank (D-MA) and Walter Jones (R-NC) today expressed astonishment after learning that Mr. Dale Jones, the former Director of the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE), remains on NOAA’s payroll. The Congressmen expressed concern that issues revealed in several investigations by the Department of Commerce Inspector General (IG) are not be taken seriously by officials at NOAA.

“Given the findings of several IG reports which revealed inappropriate actions by Mr. Dale Jones, it is astonishing that he is still on the payroll,” said Congressman John Tierney. “The public deserves to hear directly from NOAA as to why Mr. Jones remains employed at the federal agency. NOAA’s actions continue to be insulting to our fishing community, and I am still not satisfied that the agency’s officials are responding to these issues in a serious and responsible manner.”

“Apparently the reward for highly questionable actions at NOAA’s OLE is a paid vacation,” said Congressman Frank.  “I am very frustrated that the follow-up response to the OIG Investigation on the Destruction of OLE documents continues to be weak.”

“NOAA needs to stop playing games with the American people,” said Congressman Walter Jones. “Taxpayers pay the salaries of NOAA employees and they have a right to know the truth about Dale Jones.” 

Following repeated calls for information on Mr. Dale Jones’ employment status, NOAA has acknowledged that Mr. Jones remains employed by the agency. NOAA stated that it is currently considering reassignment and Mr. Jones is not assigned to a position at this time.

Given the findings of recent IG investigations, the lack of forthrightness on Mr. Jones’ employment status, and the fact that he remains on NOAA’s payroll, the Congressmen also expressed their intent to request a Congressional hearing on this issue, as well as other relevant concerns surrounding NOAA’s OLE.