Wash Post: Interior Dept Refers Zinke Probe to DOJ

The Justice Department received a referral from the Department of the Interior to investigate Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, according to a new report.

The Washington Post cited two sources as saying the Interior Department's inspector general has referred one of its three probes involving Zinke to the DOJ for further review and, possibly, a criminal investigation. The Interior Department has been looking at a Montana land deal tied to Zinke and his decision not to give two Native American tribes the go-ahead to operate a casino.

It's still unclear which of the probes the DOJ is slated to take a look at.

According to the Post, inspectors general typically only refer investigations to the DOJ when there is the potential to uncover criminal violations.

A senior White House official told the Post that the investigation in question is trying to determine if Zinke "used his office to help himself."

Zinke is one of several members of President Donald Trump's cabinet who have come under fire for their travel habits that involve taking private and chartered jets instead of coach seats on commercial flights. Zinke has been accused of misusing government funds by using Park Police helicopters and other modes of transportation.

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