Report of Investigation Regarding Allegations of Mishandling of Classified Documents

This report describes the investigation by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) into allegations that Alberto Gonzales mishandled classified documents while serving as the Attorney General. The matter was referred to the OIG by Kenneth Wainstein, former Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, on August 10, 2007. The White House Counsel’s Office had initially notified the Department of Justice (Department) about the matter, and Wainstein, after consultation with other senior Department officials, referred the matter to the OIG for investigation.

This report summarizes the results of the OIG’s investigation. Section II provides background information related to this matter, including an overview of classification issues for National Security Information, a description of the facilities available to Gonzales as Attorney General for storing classified information, and a summary of pertinent security briefings provided to Gonzales as White House Counsel and as Attorney General.