Longest independent counsel probe ends

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The independent counsel report on possible U.S. tax violations by a former Clinton administration official claims the investigation was hampered by a cover-up.

Special prosecutor David Barrett's report into whether former Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros lied to the FBI when he was being vetted for his Cabinet post was released Thursday, ending the nation's longest independent counsel investigation. The probe took more than 10 years and cost more than $21 million, The New York Times reported.

Cisneros allegedly lied to hide payments made to a former mistress.

Barrett claims the investigation was hindered by the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service. The Times said former officials from the IRS and Justice Department said Barrett's investigation was incompetently handled.

The final 746-page report -- with more than 100 pages redacted -- alleges: "There seems to be no question that Cisneros was given special consideration and more limited scrutiny because of who he was -- an important political appointee."

Cisneros was indicted on 18 felony counts and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of lying to investigators. President Bill Clinton pardoned Cisneros.