“A culture of ethical failure." This ominous phrase was used by Interior Department’s Inspector General, Earl E. Devaney, in a cover letter accompanying three reports delivered to Congress today outlining impropriety by a dozen current and former employees of the Minerals Management Agency, the Times reported.

The reports depict a wild west atmosphere at the agency in charge of leasing lands to oil, gas, and minerals companies, in which employees steered lucrative contracts to former employees, “frequently consumed alcohol at industry functions, had used cocaine and marijuana, and had sexual relationships with oil and gas company representatives.”  They went on to describe how Interior employees illegally accepted money from contractors to encourage oil and gas companies into retaining their contracting services, as well as golf, ski and paintball outings, meals and drinks, and sporting event tickets from energy industry workers.

With so many job perks, it's hard to imagine how such a place could only be ranked 63rd among federal agencies in the "family friendly culture and benefits" category by the Partnership for Public Service.

Investigations began in 2006, after an employee came forward, said Randall Luthi, director of the Minerals Management Agency. 

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