A senior official at the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians has resigned.

Jeff Lords submitted his resignation last week, according to an e-mail sent to OST employees on Friday. "We wish Jeff the very best in the future," principal deputy special trustee Donna Erwin said.

Lords was the subject of a series of internal investigations that looked at his close relationship with contractors who did business with OST. He was promoted earlier this year despite questions about his ethics.

Lords failed to disclose his personal relationship with the partner of an accounting firm that did more than $40 million in business with OST, the Interior Department's Inspector General said.

Erwin said Rob Winters will serve as acting deputy special trustee for the next 30 days.

Inspector General Reports:
Investigative Report: Chavarria, Dunne & Lamey (July 2008) | Audit Report: Chavarria, Dunne & Lamey (July 2008) | Management Advisory: Chavarria, Dunne & Lamey (July 2008) | Allegations Concerning Senior Officials of the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians (May 2006)

Ross Swimmer Memo:
KRQE Investigation (June 22, 2007)

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Swimmer reviewing latest reports on OST ethics (07/11)
OST officials slammed in investigation -- again (7/10)
Swimmer admits 'mistakes' by top OST officials (7/31)
Ethics issue behind us, Swimmer tells OST (06/27)
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OST officials rewarded despite questionable record (1/17)
OST pressed on timetable to complete trust reform (01/09)
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