His professional reputation in tatters, the nation's longtime chief police officer for the oceans was replaced yesterday.
After 11 years as director of law enforcement for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Dale J. Jones' federal policing career came to an apparent end, according to multiple congressional sources, after an Inspector General's report on a document shredding episode was filed in recent days with Jones' superiors.
Eric Schwaab, who heads the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service, released a statement announcing that a career NOAA official, Alan Risenhoover, had been appointed interim director of law enforcement, pending the selection of a permanent successor to Jones.
In avoiding the mention of Jones' name or any explanation of his status, Schwaab cited "advice of departmental counsel" and … Privacy Act requirements." Questions aimed at clarifying whether Jones was fired, suspended or allowed to resign went unanswered.
Reaction to Jones' exit from the director's office in Silver Spring, Md., was more illuminating, pointed and, in some cases, dissatisfied.
Read the complete story at The Gloucester Daily Times.