Probe of Drug Sales at House Post Office Urged

Jolted by allegations of drug sales and embezzlement by employees of the House post office, Republicans Monday demanded an independent investigation to determine whether the problems were covered up by the Democratic leadership.

Four employees already have been fired and a criminal investigation is under way by U.S. Atty. Jay B. Stephens.

The Associated Press reported that a U.S. Postal Service audit showed that a House postal clerk sold cocaine in U.S. government buildings and that his supervisor was a steady customer. The audit also said the clerk and two others admitted taking $28,585 from post office funds.

In addition, the Washington Times reported that large amounts of cash, ranging up to $500,000 a day, were used improperly to cash checks for members of Congress and House aides, as well as to make interest-free loans to some postal managers and employees.

The House post office is an independent contractor for the U.S. Postal Service. It employs about 160 persons in several substations in the Capitol and nearby congressional office buildings.

Jeffrey Biggs, a spokesman for House Speaker Thomas S. Foley (D-Wash.) defended the handling of the post office problems. “This took the course it would have taken in any U.S. post office,” he said. “Two outside bodies--both independent--already have looked into it.” Even so, House Minority Leader Robert H. Michel (R-Ill.) met with Foley on Monday and plans to take up the issue today with other GOP leaders, a spokeswoman said.

Postmaster Robert V. Rota, who is paid $115,000 a year to run the House postal system, confirmed that the three clerks and a fourth suspected of embezzling funds have been fired. Rota also ordered a $100 limit on cash retained by employees and monthly unannounced audits.

Postal investigators found that one clerk sold $25 bags of cocaine over the counter to other employees and non-employees, including his supervisor, the AP reported.