Pruitt Bug-Sweep Contractor In Business With Top EPA Security Official

"Two senior Senate Democrats asked Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt on Tuesday to provide details about how a business associate of the head of his security detail got a security contract with the agency.

Pasquale “Nino” Perrotta — who heads Pruitt’s security detail and also serves as a principal of Rockville-based Sequoia Security Group — advised EPA officials to hire a member of the management team at Sequoia, Edwin Steinmetz, according to an administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal agency decisions. The $3,000 “communications audit” contract to sweep Pruitt’s office on March 3 for concealed listening devices was conducted by Edwin Steinmetz Associates, according to records obtained by the Post.

The Associated Press reported last year that the EPA had hired Steinmetz to conduct the bug sweep, though it did not report that Perrotta had suggested agency officials seek Steinmetz’s services or that they are in business together."

Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis report for the Washington Post March 6, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Side Hustles Draw Congressional Democrats’ Scrutiny" (Bloomberg)

"Senators Question Whether EPA Security Contract Is Conflict Of Interest" (The Hill)

"Democrats Turn Up Heat On EPA Chief Over Contracts, Moonlighting" (Reuters)

"Top EPA Officials Are Working For Private Companies On The Side" (Think Progress)