Springfield Standard

Recently, Senator Eric Schmitt, alongside ten other Senate Republican colleagues, addressed a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray. The letter pertains to the findings of a Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audit on the FBI's handling of child sexual abuse cases.

Senator Schmitt expressed concern over the agency's performance: "At a time of historically low trust in American institutions, the FBI continues to undermine its own credibility when it comes to safeguarding our children from predators who wish to do them harm. It is not only outrageous but unacceptable that the FBI continues to fail the victims of sexual abusers. These victims deserve justice. The FBI has questions to answer and changes to make in the coming days and months."

The OIG report pointed out significant issues in four areas: mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, victim services, case transfers between field offices, and timely responses to allegations of active child sexual abuse. Notably, 47% of reviewed cases showed non-compliance with mandatory reporting requirements by FBI employees.

The senators are seeking answers from Director Wray on several points including whether systemic hurdles affect compliance with these requirements and why reforms promised after previous failures have not been effectively implemented. They also inquire about specific actions taken following the August 2024 OIG audit and personnel reassignments related to investigations into child sexual abuse.

Additionally, they request details on mechanisms ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and reasons for widespread non-compliance observed in nearly half of reviewed cases. Questions were also raised about failures in communication during case transfers between field offices as per policy.

The senators further ask if disciplinary actions have been taken against personnel failing internal policies regarding these cases and seek information on how many employees have faced administrative leave or separation due to such failures.