FORMER DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR SAFE AND DRUG FREE SCHOOLS
WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PLEADS GUILTY

WASHINGTON, DC - Christopher A. Wray, Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, announced today that Eric G. Andell, former Deputy Undersecretary for Safe and Drug Free Schools with the Department of Education, pled guilty to a one count information charging him with a conflict of interest in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 208 and 216. Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia set Andell’s sentencing for July 29, 2005. Between November 2002 and September 2003, Andell approved official travel for himself on approximately fourteen occasions to New York, New York; Austin and Houston, Texas, Detroit, Michigan; and Columbus Ohio. Each of these trips was motivated at least in part by Andell’s interest in private personal and financial matters, including his desire to accrue service time toward receipt of a pension from the State of Texas. On each of these trips, Andell conducted some personal business, and certain of his personal expenses were reimbursed by the government. Additionally, as part of these trips, Andell received his government salary for days on which he requested, received, and was paid for sick leave, when in fact he was working as a visiting judge in the State of Texas. As part of his plea agreement, Andell has agreed to pay $8,659.85 to reimburse the government for his fraudulent expenses.

This matter is being handled by Trial Attorney Susan J. Park of the Public Integrity Section, of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division with the investigative assistance of The Honorable Jack Higgins, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education.

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