FBI investigating post-BP spill contracts: what we know
In the three years since Director Trudy Fisher’s resignation, federal investigators have looked into DEQ’s activities under her leadership. The probe looks at contracts granted by DEQ in an attempt to determine whether Fisher personally benefited from them, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the investigation, including several people who have been interviewed by the FBI.
Under Fisher, private contractor and attorney Amy Whitten reaped nearly $2 million in DEQ contracts, either directly with the agency or through subcontracts with law firm Balch & Bingham. Whitten, a well-known state contractor, had worked with a number of agencies and secured four previous DEQ contracts before Fisher took over the agency.
The first during Fisher’s tenure was a $375,700 contract to The Whitten Group for staff training services. Former DEQ Director Charles Chisolm granted the contract, but Fisher signed it when she took office in January 2007.
Clarion Ledger
7/4/17
Magnolia Tribune
