Eric Holder to DOJ staff: Never hire prostitutes

WASHINGTON, April 11 (UPI) -- Following a Justice Department report alleging DEA agent sexual misconduct, Attorney General Eric Holder warned DOJ employees that soliciting prostitutes is a violation of policy, whether on or off duty.

In a letter released to DOJ staff Friday, Holder wrote, "I want to reiterate to all Department personnel, including attorneys and law enforcement officers, that they are prohibited from soliciting, procuring, or accepting commercial sex."

"This rule applies at all times during an individual's employment, including while off duty or on personal leave, and applies regardless of whether the activity is legal or tolerated in a particular jurisdiction, foreign or domestic," Holder wrote in his letter.

The caution comes two weeks after a report that found several Drug ­Enforcement Administration agents had "sex parties" with prostitutes hired by drug cartels.

Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz found 10 agents, most of whom had "top secret" security clearance, had engaged in the parties with prostitutes because it was the local culture. Seven of the 10 agents admitted to being at the parties, most of which took place on U.S. government leased properties. Many of those implicated in the report received minor disciplinary action.

The Washington Post reported Holder and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates have reviewed the report and concluded the disciplinary process at the DEA was "inadequate." Holder's letter hints at increased oversight for the employees and supervisors.

"Department employees who violate these prohibitions will be subject to suspension or termination. Supervisors and managers are subject to discipline for failing to report suspected violations," Holder wrote. "The Department of Justice is measured by the conduct of those who work on its behalf. The solicitation of prostitution threatens the core mission of the Department, not simply because it invites extortion, blackmail, and leaks of sensitive or classified information, but also because it undermines the Department's efforts to eradicate the scourge of human trafficking."