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August 10, 2007

Smithsonian Official Resigns After Conceding He Destroyed Key Documents

The executive assistant to the secretary of the Smithsonian has resigned after admitting that he destroyed transcripts from an important board meeting in January, reports The Washington Post.

James M. Hobbins, a longtime employee, destroyed the records after the Smithsonian’s general counsel, John Huerta, ordered all employees to keep documents because the Senate Finance Committee had begun investigating the organization.

The Board of Regents meeting in question retroactively approved almost $90,000 in unauthorized spending by former secretary Lawrence M. Small on air travel, car service, gifts, and other items.

Mr. Hobbins’s lawyer, Thomas Sawyer, said the destruction of records after meeting minutes were tallied was a routine practice.

Of his client’s resignation, Mr. Sawyer said, “Jim regrets the current situation with respect to the Smithsonian. That’s why he voluntarily stepped down after 40 years, and his deep personal commitment to the institution will continue. He’s resigned because he is putting the interests of the Smithsonian first.”

Senator Charles E. Grassley, an Iowa lawmaker who is the senior Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, said, “I intend to get a full explanation from the Smithsonian about why this happened, whether the Smithsonian handled it adequately, and whether it merits external review. I also want assurances that it won’t happen again.”

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