VA's accountability chief reportedly lost a past job over lack of accountability

The VA's deputy inspector general, Richard J. Griffin, has reportedly resigned

(Image credit: Tim Sloan/Getty Images)

published 24 April 2015

The VA's deputy inspector general, Richard J. Griffin, reportedly left a position at the State Department over negligence which led to the death of 14 Iraqi civilians. As NBC News reported at the time, Griffin resigned his State position after a review "found serious lapses" in his oversight of the Blackwater guards who were convicted earlier this month of massacring the 14 civilians.

Despite Griffin's lack of accountability measures at the State Department — and the tragic consequences which followed — his current position is focused on conducting "independent oversight reviews" to, among other goals, "prevent and detect criminal activity."

As the Washington Examiner notes, Griffin's office "has been accused of protecting the agency from criticism rather than asking hard questions" while the VA scandal stretches into its second year.