FBI Raids
Special Counsel's Office

FBI agents Tuesday raided the office of U.S. special counsel Scott J. Bloch, whose department is under investigation for alleged obstruction of justice, National Public Radio reports.

The Office of Special Counsel, among other duties, oversees protection for federal employees who call attention to wrongdoing. Bloch's management of the office has been controversial since his appointment by President Bush in 2004. Early on, he said he would not investigate any claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Several employees in his office say that because Bloch suspected them of leaking this information to the press, he gave them the choice of resigning or being transferred from Washington to a new field office in Detroit, NPR reports.

It was not clear whether Tuesday's raid was related to this particular matter, but federal authorities, including the Office of Personnel Management, have been looking into accusations that Bloch obstructed an investigation and retaliated against career employees in his office.

FBI agents Tuesday questioned Bloch at his office and seized computers and documents. They also went to his home in Alexandria, Va., with a search warrant. Also, a grand jury in Washington issued subpoenas for Bloch and several of his employees, sources told NPR.

Bloch, the FBI, and White House officials all declined comment on the matter. (The Advocate)