A Virginia Department of Corrections manager hired a woman unqualified for her job, issued her a weapon despite her lack of firearms training and improperly gave her access to a criminal information network run by Virginia State Police, according to a state audit. After James Burgess, formerly a regional program manager for the department, hired Lara Smith to work as a corrections lieutenant in the Roanoke office of the Division of Community Corrections, other employees formally complained that the two were dating and that Smith was chosen over two other finalists because of that relationship.

The audit found that Smith was, indeed, not qualified for the position, but the allegation that the two were romantically involved was inconclusive.