Forest Service chief resigns in wake of sexual misconduct allegations
By CATHERINE BOUDREAU 03/07/2018 08:22 PM EST
Tony Tooke, chief of the U.S. Forest Service, stepped down from his post on Wednesday following reports of sexual harassment and retaliation at the agency that revealed the Agriculture Department was investigating misconduct allegations against Tooke himself.
Tooke, who was appointed by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in August, announced his resignation in an email to employees. Tooke said he admired the courage of the women who related their accounts of sexual harassment, and that Forest Service leadership was committed to investing the resources needed to change the work environment.
“I have been forthright during the review, but I cannot combat every inaccuracy that is reported in the news media,” Tooke said of the USDA investigation. “What I can control, however, are decisions I make today and the choice of a path for the future that is best for our employees, the Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I must also think about what is best for my family.”
Tooke said his retirement was effective immediately.
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https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/07/forest-service-chief-resigns-misconduct-allegations-395048
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