Secret Service Personnel Sent Home

Accused of misconduct involving a prostitute

As many as a dozen Secret Service personnel are returning to the U.S. today after being relieved of duty over accusations of misconduct.

The personnel were providing security to the President during his trip to Colombia for the Summit of Americas. A Secret Service spokesman says the accusations stem from activity that took place before the President arrived Friday. Multiple sources tell NBC News that misconduct involves prostitution.

Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Edwin Donovan released the following statement:

"There have been allegations of misconduct made against Secret Service personnel in Cartagena, Colombia, prior to the President's trip. Because of this, those personnel are being relieved of their assignments, returned to their place of duty, and are being replaced by other Secret Service personnel. The Secret Service takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. This entire matter has been turned over to our Office of Professional Responsibility, which serves as the agency's internal affairs component. These personnel changes will not affect the comprehensive security plan that has been prepared in advance of the President's trip."

The personnel sent home are part of the uniformed division, who typically are charged with manning entrances and conducting foot patrols. They are not a part of the President’s private detail.

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