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Slider: park.jpg, Welcome, to USDA OIG, Our mission is
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IG Walk subcommittee testimony

Oversight Hearing

Inspector General John Walk testified at the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency on Thursday, June 25.

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Stack of reports with a magnifying glass

Hotline

You can confidentially or anonymously report violations of laws and regulations relating to USDA programs online, by phone, or in writing.

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SARC 2026 1st Half cover

Semiannual Report to Congress

FY 2026 - First Half

 

October 1, 2025–March 31, 2026

Recent News

Alabama Insurance Agent Sentenced for Falsifying Federal Crop Insurance Application

“Crop insurance fraud directly harms taxpayers who subsidize insurance premiums and undermines public trust,” said USDA Inspector General Walk. “It will not be tolerated.  Our law enforcement agents will vigorously pursue those who cheat the crop insurance program that supports honest, hardworking American farmers and bring the fraudsters to justice.”

Press Releases

Indianapolis Fugitive Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List

“USDA OIG and its special agents are proud to be part of the investigation that landed this criminal on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive list. FBI is offering a reward of $1 million for information leading to Henderson Jr.’s arrest. Animal cruelty is reprehensible and dogfighting enterprises are often associated with other dangerous crimes to public safety. Together with our law enforcement partners we will bring criminals who endanger our communities to justice.” - USDA Inspector General John Walk

Press Releases

Former USDA Program Director Sentenced in $400,000 Fraud Scheme

“This former USDA employee was sentenced to two years in prison for exploiting his privileged position to steal from American taxpayers.  Insider threats are a disgrace to the civil service.  USDA OIG alongside the WH Task Force to Eliminate Fraud will go after fraudsters regardless of who they are or what position they hold.  I commend Special Agent in Charge Jeldrys Lowry, her team of special agents, and federal partners for bringing this criminal to justice.” - Inspector General John Walk.

Press Releases

Rhode Island Department of Human Services Supervisor Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

“This investigation determined that the defendant defrauded SNAP of over $300,000. When government benefits are defrauded, especially by those in positions of public trust, it negatively affects those who need it most. Our collaborative work to combat this type of fraud and promote the integrity of government programs remains a priority,” said USDA OIG Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker.

Press Releases

Southwest Georgia Man Sentenced on Federal Dog Fighting, Firearms, and Drug Trafficking Charges

“This investigation exposed a dangerous criminal operation involving organized dog fighting activities that inflicted horrific abuse on animals while also serving as a breeding ground for other serious criminal activity such as the narcotics and firearms violations that this defendant engaged in,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “This case demonstrates USDA OIG’s commitment to aggressively pursuing those who profit from animal cruelty, and we thank our law enforcement partners and the prosecutors who worked with us to ensure this defendant was held accountable.”

Press Releases

Recent Reports

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Information Security Modernization Act

Report Number:
50503-0015-12

The objective of this performance audit was to determine the effectiveness of USDA’s information security program. We found USDA’s maturity level is 3, which is ineffective according to OMB’s criteria. We found weaknesses still exist and made 10 new recommendations to address five identified deficiencies within USDA’s information security program. 

Audit

AMS Contractor Compliance with Trade Laws on Imported Goods

Report Number:
01801-0001-41

We initiated the subject inspection to determine whether contractors importing select goods complied with trade laws and that claims submitted for any tariff and duty expenses reimbursed were properly supported.

Inspection / Evaluation
Agricultural Marketing Service

Suitability of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility’s Design

Report Number:
50801-0002-31

We determined that the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility was not appropriately configured and commissioned by the U.S. Department of  Homeland Security to house animals for high-level biosafety and animal  disease science or to receive select agent registration approval.

Inspection / Evaluation