"The Interior Department’s top internal watchdog, who oversaw the multiple investigations that contributed to the resignation of former Secretary Ryan Zinke, will retire from the agency next month, even as her office opens an inquiry into newly confirmed Secretary David Bernhardt.

Mary Kendall, deputy inspector general for the department, led the office during the Zinke probes, including two stemming from POLITICO's reporting that the IG’s office has referred to the Justice Department, according to news reports. Those reports say investigators have been looking into whether Zinke, who departed the agency in January, lied to the Interior watchdog.

On Monday, Kendall announced she was launching an investigation into Bernhardt for several possible ethics violations.

Kendall will step down in May and take the position of deputy inspector general at Amtrak, Interior Office of Inspector General spokesperson Nancy DiPaolo told POLITICO. Kendall had reached retirement age and was stepping down voluntarily, she added."

Ben Lefebvre reports for Politico April 16, 2019. [2]