Spending by the former director of the Smithsonian Institution’s American Indian Museum was found to be lavish and imprudent but mostly conformed to the institution’s rules, according to a report by the Smithsonian inspector general, reports The Washington Post.

The report, which was distributed to Congress yesterday, was requested by Sen. Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, after the Post reported last year that the former director, W. Richard West Jr., spent more than $250,000 in institution funds over the previous four years on premium transportation and lodging during trips he took around the world. Mr. West has agreed to reimburse the Smithsonian, said Inspector General A. Sprightley Ryan.

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