Big-spending official leaves GSA

WASHINGTON, May 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. government employee who planned an $800,000 Las Vegas conference has resigned his post, a spokesman for the General Services Administration said.

Jeffrey E. Neeley, who served as a regional building commissioner for the GSA, has been on administrative leave since an inquiry found rampant waste and abuse associated with a 2010 employee conference he arranged, The Washington Post reported Friday.

News of overspending on the conference led to the resignation of GSA Administrator Martha Johnson and the firing of her two top lieutenants. Nine other GSA employees were placed on administrative leave.

A GSA official who asked not to be identified told CNN federal employees have the right to retire as long as they have accumulated the required number of years of service.

The official said Neeley has been asked to reimburse the government for a private party he hosted in his room during the 2010 conference.

The Justice Department is currently investigating whether his actions amounted to a crime, the Las Vegas Sun reported.

Neeley refused to answer questions, invoking his right against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment, during an appearance before a congressional panel looking into the matter.