US: Improper activity at Philadelphia VA

A government audit says two Veterans Affairs officials in Philadelphia acted improperly when subordinates were charged money to attend a work-related party.

The report was released Thursday in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by The Associated Press.

Employees reported that Lucy Filipov, the assistant director in Philadelphia, hosted a party where employees were charged $30 or more to attend. The Office of the Inspector General said the wife of Gary Hodge, director of the office’s pension management center, received money for telling fortunes.

The office, which said Filipov misused her position and that Hodge failed to report his wife’s financial gain, urged administrative discipline.

In comments included in the report, Filipov said she considered the party a gathering of friends. Hodge said his wife’s business was separate from his work.