An investigation by the Associated Press revealed that just days after the CIA pledged to tackle sexual misconduct, Donald Asquith, a former officer with decades of clandestine service, was accused of assaulting a contractor at a party in 2023. The AP also found that a classified 648-page internal watchdog report detailed systemic issues with how the agency handles sexual misconduct cases, which remains hidden under the guise of national security, a longer report by the Associated Press disclosed via PBS.org.
At least 24 women have come forward, accusing the CIA of failing to address sexual misconduct properly and retaliating against those who speak out. The problem gained attention when a CIA trainee reported being assaulted in 2022, leading to a series of investigations and allegations. Several women claim they faced retaliation after speaking up, including the trainee, who was fired after filing a lawsuit against the agency.
Asquith’s case, along with other high-profile incidents involving misconduct, poses a significant challenge to the CIA’s leadership. Just weeks before Asquith’s trial, former officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond is scheduled to be sentenced for drugging and assaulting over two dozen women during overseas deployments. Additionally, a former CIA trainee is set to face trial again for a 2022 attack in which he allegedly attempted to kiss a female colleague against her will.
Former CIA officer Lindsay Moran remarked that sexual misconduct worsened in the agency after 9/11, citing a culture shift that tolerated inappropriate behavior under the guise of national security. Despite the CIA’s assurances that reforms are underway, the classified status of the watchdog report and other ongoing misconduct cases raise questions about the agency’s transparency and ability to protect its workforce.
The agency has not fully responded to requests for internal records on its handling of cases, including the scandal involving Raymond. CIA officials claim they are taking these allegations seriously, but ongoing complaints of retaliation and poor handling of cases continue to plague the agency. Florida Senator Marco Rubio stated that lawmakers will continue to pressure the CIA to reform its processes and hold offenders accountable.
Victims like Barbara Gray, a former officer who resigned after experiencing retaliation, question the agency’s culture. Although the CIA promoted her alleged harasser, Gray’s career stalled, prompting her departure. Gray, along with others, demands that the agency follow through on its promises of reform and create a safer environment for its employees.
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