DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart to retire in mid-May amid sex party scandal

Leonhart's departure follows an Inspector General's report alleging misconduct by DEA agents on her watch.

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 21, 2015

DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart will step down in mid-May, following the release of an Inspector General’s report that revealed instances of DEA agents having sex parties in Colombia with prostitutes paid for by drug cartels.

Congressional oversight forces out DEA chief over agent sex parties http://t.co/MggkSfCLOh pic.twitter.com/zc9Nb7D4nD

— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) April 21, 2015

https://twitter.com/BekiHerrero/status/590558313894543360

US Drug Enforcement Admin. director Michele Leonhart to step down following allegations agents attended sex parties funded by cartels.

— Jhawn Paul (@PinkSheepNews) April 21, 2015

In statement, House Oversight Chmn Chaffetz & Ranking Dem Cummings say Leonhart's decision to step down "is the appropriate consequence."

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 21, 2015

Chaffetz/Cummings say they hope "fresh leadership" offers hope DEA "can restore itself to an agency of distinction and excellence."

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 21, 2015

Attorney General Eric Holder released a statement on Leonhart’s retirement which was filled with nothing but praise for the embattled administrator.

AG Holder's statement is full of praise for Leonhart and does not mention the allegations of the Inspector General's report.

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 21, 2015

Eric Holder praises his “good friend” Michele Leonhart on her way out http://t.co/KkrECAac8o pic.twitter.com/HX9A9tv7jd

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) April 21, 2015

“Michele has led this distinguished agency with honor,” wrote Holder in praise of his “good friend.”

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Update:

DEA officials are circulating statement from former chief that says Michele Leonhart’s departure is “about politics.” http://t.co/KkrECAac8o

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) April 21, 2015