State auditor accuses state employment agency head of hindering fraud investigation

SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state auditor has accused the head of the state’s unemployment agency of allegedly hindering an investigation into fraud.

The massive scheme resulted in the theft of $567 million in taxpayer dollars.

The Seattle Times reports that State Auditor Pat McCarthy said ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine imposed significant restraint on auditors, including limiting interviews with key employees and delaying access to important documents.

LeVine has said her agency has welcomed the audits from the start.

The ESD is also being audited by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Justice Department.