Inspector general: Joe The Plumber’s records improperly plundered

By Michelle Malkin  •  November 20, 2008 02:15 PM

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The Ohio inspector general has finally concludes the obvious. The question now is: Whose heads will roll? Who will be prosecuted? When will the governor apologize for whitewashing this civil liberties scandal?

The report:

A state agency director had no legitimate reasons to check state computer systems for confidential information on “Joe the Plumber,” according to a report released this afternoon by Ohio’s inspector general.

Helen Jones-Kelley, the suspended director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, “had no legitimate agency function or purpose to support her decision” to check on the newly minted political figure, the report states.

The investigation by the office of Inspector General Thomas P. Charles found that the reasons that Jones-Kelley offered for the checks “were not credible and they included contradictions, ambiguity, and inconsistencies.”

The report reached no conclusion on whether Jones-Kelley’s approval of the checks were politically motivated.

“However, the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized searches are exacerbated in light of the director’s sending and receiving e-mail related to a political activity through state resources,” the report said.

Duh!

Also named as improper snoopers: Assistant agency director Fred Williams and Doug Thompson, a deputy child-support director.

Charles said his report would be sent to the office of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien for review.

Democrat Gov. Ted Strickland placed Jones-Kelley on paid leave Nov. 7 after e-mails requested by The Dispatch revealed she used her state e-mail account to help raise campaign funds for President-Elect Barack Obama.

The inspector general’s report found that the e-mails violated Strickland’s policy on political activity and constituted a “wrongful act” as an inappropriate use of state resources.

No more running and hiding.

Posted in: Joe The Plumber

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Comments


  1. #552280
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:19 pm, DanGrantTx said:

    Knowing the Ohio Democrat machine, there will be a slap on the wrist or they will plead to victimization in some way.

  2. #552282
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:20 pm, ajmontana said:

    The report reached no conclusion on whether Jones-Kelley’s approval of the checks were politically motivated.

    Oh Flippin Please. :roll:

  3. #552284
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:20 pm, tiredofit08 said:

    they didn’t “knowlingly” do it now did they….sound familiar??

  4. #552290
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:23 pm, ajmontana said:

    I hope JTP gets a boatload of money after all the Bologna he went through.

  5. #552296
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:25 pm, Dandapani said:
  6. #552300
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:27 pm, TexasEngineer said:

    So now…her paid leave becomes unpaid…retroactive to Nov. 7th. Right?
    /sarc

  7. #552303
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:27 pm, letget said:

    Why is this gal getting paid leave? I would have thought acorn would pay her salary. Joe, get a good attorney and get all you can get.
    L

  8. #552304
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:28 pm, cpodug said:

    Wait! Wait! How can this be? These are Democrats! They can do no wrong! Obviously, the IG was mistaken. I’m sure he’ll be issuing a correction and minute now …

    /sarc off

  9. #552306
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:28 pm, Zaz said:

    JTP could use any monies to fund his bid for congress! Go for it JTP!

  10. #552311
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:30 pm, chep said:

    It took a month to figure that out. Good going Ohio.

  11. #552317
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:32 pm, ajmontana said:

    chep said:
    It took a month to figure that out. Good going Ohio.

    almost as long as an NFL replay official… :roll:

  12. #552318
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:33 pm, NJ-Aviator said:

    Duh indeed.

  13. #552320
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:34 pm, bruins90210 said:

    Job well done! Promotions pending. This is Obama’s world.

  14. #552326
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where George Costanza was caught having sex with the cleaning lady.
    George: “Was this wrong? I mean, if I had known that this was frowned upon…
    Boss: “You’re fired George.”

  15. #552328
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:36 pm, Drained Brain said:

    A couple more names for the President-Elect’s clemency list.

  16. #552331
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:36 pm, ajmontana said:

    I heard somewhere Jones/Smelly makes $150k a year, is this true? and say what??!!??!! :shock:

  17. #552345
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:42 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    The investigation by the office of Inspector General Thomas P. Charles found that the reasons that Jones-Kelley offered for the checks “were not credible and they included contradictions, ambiguity, and inconsistencies.”

    Raaaacist!!!

  18. #552347
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:42 pm, Southpaw said:

    This is the most chilling incident of the whole campaign. Why would any citizen make any comment to any candidate now, knowing that their entire lives could be subject to intense scrutiny.

    Thanks, Ohio for helping to kill free speech.

    “Oh, Oh, Way to go Ohio.”

  19. #552363
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:50 pm, cicerokid said:

    “The report reached no conclusion on whether Jones-Kelley’s approval of the checks were politically motivated.”

    Maybe they were racially motivated, then. If a white guy did this to her he would be in jail right now.

  20. #552364
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:51 pm, tre said:

    The investigation by the office of Inspector General Thomas P. Charles found that the reasons that Jones-Kelley offered for the checks “were not credible and they included contradictions, ambiguity, and inconsistencies.”

    The report reached no conclusion on whether Jones-Kelley’s approval of the checks were politically motivated.

    “However, the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized searches are exacerbated in light of the director’s sending and receiving e-mail related to a political activity through state resources,” the report said.

    Even my 1 year old daughter, from this, could figure out it’s politically motivated. And, that it’s purpose was to smear Joe.

    Sheeeesh!

  21. #552372
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm, cicerokid said:

    “Democrat Gov. Ted Strickland placed Jones-Kelley on paid leave Nov. 7 after e-mails requested by The Dispatch revealed she used her state e-mail account to help raise campaign funds for President-Elect Barack Obama.”

    Multiply this by xxx and ad McCain’s lame campaign = any wonder obummer won?

  22. #552374
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm, The_Livewire said:

    I’d like to apologize for the state of Ohio.

    Don’t blame me, I voted for Blackwell

  23. #552375
    On November 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm, ThatSamIAm said:

    It’s funny how all these socialist dems talk about ending the abuse of power in government and at the same time find more and more ways to abuse power.

    This will be the most unethical and abusive government in our history.

    Dem motto: Do as we say not as we do

  24. #552394
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:02 pm, The_Livewire said:

    WTVN has the full IG’s report.

    Oh, and she wasn’t suspended for the snooping. She was suspended for using Ohio computer resources to raise money for Sen Obama

  25. #552400
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:04 pm, drivingjack said:

    And the statement from the ACLU is . . . . (/crickets chirping)

  26. #552403
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:05 pm, Hangfire said:

    It’s only abuse of power if CONSERVATIVES do it. Just like it’s hypocrisy only if a CONSERVATIVE is caught with a prostitute, or an impeachable offense if a CONSERVATIVE lies under oath. Get it?

  27. #552404
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:05 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Don’t worry, the Obama Truth Squad will get to the bottom of this.

    Plus, I’m sure those lawyers that tried to get radio stations’ licenses revoked for ads they didn’t like will go after Jones-Kelley and the other perps.
    /sarc

  28. #552417
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:08 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Well let’s see what the Governor does. Should be entertaining.

  29. #552425
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:11 pm, oldsoldier said:

    She would be a stellar candidate for the Obama staff except she got caught and did not cover her tracks completely. Still, watch for a job offer for her in D.C. With some tutoring by Emanuel I am confident she can learn the intricacies of the trade.

  30. #552437
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:17 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Still, watch for a job offer for her in D.C. With some tutoring by Emanuel Ashley Dupre I am confident she can learn the intricacies of the trade.

    Hey, if you’re going to try to screw Joe…

  31. #552454
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:27 pm, goodforlaughs said:

    Next we’ll hear that Jones-Kelly goes on disability caused from the stress and humiliation [inflicted on her by the elected official actually doing the job he was elected to do]! Ohio, your tax dollars at work. As a govt. employee, disability with full benefits and full wages, of course!

  32. #552468
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:33 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    So Jones-Kelley is still on paid vacation.

  33. #552474
    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm, Flyoverman said:

    She would be a stellar candidate for the Obama staff except she got caught and did not cover her tracks completely. Still, watch for a job offer for her in D.C. With some tutoring by Emanuel Craig Livingstone I am confident she can learn the intricacies of the trade.

    Better choice, if you think back to 1996.

  34. #552526
    On November 20th, 2008 at 4:01 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    :looks around:

    No trolls liberals here to defend Helen Jones-Kelley and tell us why she was correct in violating his civil rights?

    Now isn’t that odd…

  35. #552577
    On November 20th, 2008 at 4:19 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    …our $$$ are still paying her-remember-even if you do not live in a certain state – that state gets Fed (my and your)tax $$$….
    C-CS

  36. #552630
    On November 20th, 2008 at 4:43 pm, hatfield said:

    Azzhats.I wonder what else will come out now that the election is over?

  37. #552638
    On November 20th, 2008 at 4:46 pm, eaglehaslanded said:

    And the statement from the ACLU is . . . . (/crickets chirping)

    Actually…
    http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&SubSectionID=156&ArticleID=171156&TM=69726.33

  38. #552654
    On November 20th, 2008 at 4:54 pm, dadinseattle said:

    Abuse of authority double standard or Justice for Joe?

    Joe…show them the same mercy they showed you….if they get away with it they will continue to act this way!

    Damages…character assassination, loss of privacy, loss of job, public humiliation…

  39. #552691
    On November 20th, 2008 at 5:23 pm, DirkBelig said:

    Man, the list of people Barry’s gonna have to pardon on Jan. 20 is just getting longer and longer.

  40. #552699
    On November 20th, 2008 at 5:27 pm, Salt said:

    On November 20th, 2008 at 5:23 pm, DirkBelig said:

    Man, the list of people Barry’s gonna have to pardon on Jan. 20 is just getting longer and longer.

    He can’t pardon her from a civil lawsuit.

  41. #552708
    On November 20th, 2008 at 5:35 pm, CantCureStupid said:

    Helen Jones-Kelley, the suspended director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, “had no legitimate agency function or purpose to support her decision”

    All of this is utterly meaningless if it isn’t followed by an indictment.

    The report reached no conclusion on whether Jones-Kelley’s approval of the checks were politically motivated.

    I will generously assume that this is because her motive was patently obvious, and not because the reporting agency is totally inept.

  42. #552748
    On November 20th, 2008 at 6:08 pm, zorro said:

    Helen Jones-Kelley will probably be promoted now. Then run for governor.

  43. #552768
    On November 20th, 2008 at 6:47 pm, drfredc said:

    Nah, after her paid leave/vacation expires, she’ll pick up a new minor job in one of Obama’s bureaucracies. Something like the IRS monitoring of conservative think tanks where her talents can but put back to good use…

  44. #552811
    On November 20th, 2008 at 7:50 pm, The_Livewire said:

    Thank you for the link.

    Would be nice if they chipped in if he sues the state.

  45. #552840
    On November 20th, 2008 at 8:27 pm, Chief RZ said:

    Promote the incompetent and criminals. They are your “yes men/women”. Complete lack of integrity; that is what these people associate with.

  46. #552953
    On November 20th, 2008 at 11:39 pm, Wellsy said:

    I’d like to apologize for the state of Ohio.

    Don’t blame me, I voted for Blackwell

    :shakes head:

    Yeah, me too. I thought ol’ Ken Blackwell might have had a chance. Unfortunately, despite being a black conservative, he had the wrong letter after his name.

    I’m embarassed for my state. I hope, after all these recent job losses here, we don’t go the way of Michigan and become solid blue. I’ve lived my whole life here, and I don’t think it’s possible in the Buckeye State, if people are presented with the truth and a clear choice.

  47. #553058
    On November 21st, 2008 at 6:48 am, Tuesday said:

    On November 20th, 2008 at 3:02 pm, The_Livewire said:
    WTVN has the full IG’s report.

    Oh, and she wasn’t suspended for the snooping. She was suspended for using Ohio computer resources to raise money for Sen Obama

    Of course, the governor cannot allow doubts to surface about the use of State emails! No, no, that’s over the top! And we are supposed to believe everything’s ok because the word “suspended” is used! Paid vacation for the “crime” and we should all sing Hallelujah! Heh!

  48. #553110
    On November 21st, 2008 at 9:18 am, ThatSamIAm said:

    Barak Obama: Change that makes you want to take a shower and get a shot for.

  49. #553587
    On November 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm, right_on said:

    I called it. The outcome works out to a two month vacation at half pay…she is obviously non-union…

    Now she will blame someone, and claim victimhood, right? Or, of course someone will have to work “racism” by evil Republican’s in there, too!

  50. #553794
    On November 21st, 2008 at 2:58 pm, RetFireman said:

    “However, the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized searches are exacerbated in light of the director’s sending and receiving e-mail related to a political activity through state resources,” the report sai

    Didn’t the Libs get their thongs in a knot when they assumed Governor Palin did the same…only to have it come out too late that she did no such thing?

    Oh, if only they held themselves up to the same standards and scrutiny they put against Republicans and Conservatives…there would be no Democrats. Or at least none like that are serving in Congress today.

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