Former Postal VP Azeez Jaffer denies accusations
(Associated Press) The former head public affairs official of the U.S. Postal Service is denying charges made by the agency’s inspector general alleging improper activities ranging from overspending to excessive drinking. Azeezaly Jaffer left the agency June 30, declining at the time to discuss his reasons.
A Postal Inspection Service report dated June 19 includes accusations of Jaffer running up an excessive hotel bill at a three-day event in Washington, of bypassing the Postal Service travel agency in order to obtain travel promotional benefits, and spending extravagantly on meals and drinks.
The report also included allegations of excessive drinking, using crass language in mixed company and commenting on the appearance of female co-workers.
Jaffer sent a lengthy response denying the charges to the Postal Service dated Aug. 4.
In a response made available to The Associated Press, Jaffer said he believes the investigation was prompted by a postal employee who formerly worked for him. Jaffer said this employee had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, whom Jaffer reassigned after learning about the relationship.
Jaffer said that all expenditures questioned by the inspector general were reviewed and approved by postal officials and all were for Postal Service functions. He said he made every effort to reimburse the Postal Service in instances in which his wife accompanied him on an official function.
Jaffer also stressed that in a 20-year career with the agency no one had ever filed a sexual harassment case against him and called allegations regarding excessive drinking “similarly unfounded.”
Related links:
IG: Former postal exec lived high life on USPS dime
(Federal Times) As a top executive at the U.S. Postal Service, Azeezaly Jaffer liked to live large. Too large, according to postal investigators. In one three-night stretch in 2004, he ran up $8,252 staying at a Washington hotel suite — less than nine miles from his home. He blew $3,486.33 in one evening for steak dinners and a bar-hopping binge for himself and other postal employees after the unveiling of the new Ronald Reagan commemorative stamp in 2005.He tipped two lucky waiters $1,511.66 following a seafood dinner for 20 employees and business partners in 2003. An inspector general report into the conduct of the Postal Service’s former vice president for public affairs and communications details more than $46,000 in questionable spending, along with numerous accusations of sexual harassment, intimidation and improper conduct. A female postal employee told IG investigators that top postal officials turned a blind eye to Jaffer’s behavior for years.USPS OIG Report (PDF)
April 24th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
I was an employee at the Park Hyatt Century City in Los Angeles. I was a waiter in the Park Grill restaurant. Mr.jaffer was ALWAYS a gentleman and a friend of and to the hotel.He was an outgoing personality to be sure,but always always a fine gentleman. In that he would entertain and host dinner partys and groups(including one such dinner with the postmaster general)Mr.jaffer was a pleasure to take care of. He did embibe,like most all of his guest,but he would remain in control. Mr.jaffer had a comfortable way of interacting,and always met me with a warm bear hug. I am a 6′2″ 215 pound black man,and welcomed his warmth and affection for our entire staff. I am sad that his resignation was on the heels of aligations. I do however trust this is only a slight interruption to mr.jaffers future.
I of course can not speak as to activities beyond my presence,but in all the years I served mr.jaffer,the statement I have made,is a truthful and accurate account of my experiences with mr.jaffer. By the way, he would insist everyone call him by his first name. A standup guy in my book.
OH,AND BY THE WAY,I NEVER RECEIVED AN $1,500.00 TIP FROM MR.JAFFER,I DIDN’T NEED TO.
His kindness and humanity were worth far more.
SINCERELY
TERRY L YORK II
October 14th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Funny….that’s not how his behavior was characterized by a (female) employee who had to drive him around in California several years ago.
Despite being a married man, he had no problem hitting on her and making her extremely uncomfortable.
The OIG report speaks for itself! He should have been fired.