According to a Washington Post report, twelve U.S. Secret Service agents were removed from the presidential detail in Cartagena, Columbia, amid allegations that at least one agent solicited prostitutes.
Barack Obama arrived on Friday for a weekend Summit of the Americas, a gathering of 35 area leaders to discuss economic policy and trade.
An advance team of Secret Service agents were recalled following “very serious allegations” that need to be sorted out. The matter has been turned over to the agency’s internal affairs unit, the Office of Professional Responsibility.
Jon Adler, president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association said, “The agency needs to properly investigate and fairly ascertain the merits of the allegations.”
Agency spokesman Edwin Donovan stressed that coverage of Obama was never compromised. He said, “These personnel changes will not affect the comprehensive security plan that has been prepared in advance of the President’s trip.”
Donovan declined to disclose details about the nature of the misconduct allegations.
CNN is reporting that the incident in question occurred on Wednesday night and involved a dispute between at least one Secret Service agent and at least one woman who filed a complaint with the U.S. Embassy stating that she was not paid for her services.
Prostitution is legal in Columbia.
Photo: WENN