Former FEMA Official Accused of Disturbing Behavior

The conduct of FEMA's former personnel chief was definitely sleazy and possibly criminal, according to a damning internal investigation seen by the Washington Post and the AP. Corey Coleman—who resigned weeks ago, before the investigation concluded—allegedly sexually harassed subordinates, hired unqualified fraternity brothers and women he met on dating sites, and transferred women to regional offices so his friends could try to have sexual relationships with them. FEMA Administrator Brock Long says the investigation uncovered a "systemic problem going on for years" and some of the behavior could lead to criminal charges, if victims decide to contact the police.

According to the report, Coleman, who led the disaster agency's personnel department from 2011 until his resignation, had sexual relationships with at least two female subordinates, the AP reports. One woman said Coleman kept pressuring her for dates after they broke up in 2015 and denied her a promotion when she refused. Coleman is also accused of creating a "toxic" work environment by intimidating staff members, reports NBC News. Long said in a statement Monday that the report is being referred to the Department of Homeland Security's internal watchdog. "We must care for our own with the same respect, compassion, and advocacy that we bring to our external operations," he said. (More FEMA stories.)