Holder Reinforces Rules against Soliciting Prostitutes

Attorney General Eric Holder has issued a memo to Justice Department employees reminding them that soliciting prostitutes is against agency rules and can lead to suspension or termination.

The memo Friday came weeks after a scathing inspector general's report that found the Drug Enforcement Administration had mishandled allegations that several of its agents attended sex parties with prostitutes in a foreign country.

Holder said the department's prohibition on soliciting prostitutes applies even when employees are off duty, and even in foreign countries where prostitution may be legal.

He also directed a review of the security clearances of the DEA employees who attended the parties to ensure that they continue to qualify for the clearances. And he called for improvements in how the DEA investigates and handles allegations of misconduct.