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.
However, Burgess was overheard saying to Smith that he was “just looking for an excuse to look at your boobs,” according to the audit.
Burgess issued Smith a department handgun and shotgun though she hadn’t completed proper firearms training and wasn’t certified to carry them, the audit said.
Department management has since recovered the weapons.
Burgess also shared with Smith his password to the state police-administered Virginia Criminal Information Network, which allows law enforcement offices around the state to share information.
Efforts to reach Burgess and Smith were unsuccessful.
State auditors recommended that the corrections department institute a policy that new employees must be qualified on firearms by someone outside their unit. The department is still evaluating the recommendation, according to spokesman Larry Traylor.
While the department does not discuss personnel matters or comment on investigations, Traylor confirmed that neither Burgess nor Smith is currently employed by the state. Burgess’ employment ended May 3 and Smith’s ended the next day. Traylor declined to comment on whether they were fired.
