FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Press Statement on Dr. David Tharp’s Settlement by Attorney and GAP Legal Director Tom Devine

(WASHINGTON) – On behalf of Dr. David Tharp, the Government Accountability Project (GAP) expressed appreciation today to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel for its leadership in settling his Whistleblower Protection Act complaint. Dr. Tharp is a psychologist who challenged mismanagement and diversion of research funds at the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Waco, Texas, VISN 17 Center of Excellence (COE). Dr. Tharp’s involvement helped curtail the mismanagement of over $20 million of appropriated funds for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dr. Tharp is encouraged that his whistleblowing sparked a renewed COE commitment to seek effective treatment for these tragic consequences plaguing literally hundreds of thousands of veterans. While gagged on settlement terms, he also is pleased with the outcome of his reprisal case.

“Our smiles couldn’t be any wider about the outcome,” commented Tom Devine, GAP Legal Director and Dr. Tharp’s attorney. “It happened because of marathon persistence by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel in shepherding the agreement. Although veterans groups twice named Dr. Tharp VA Employee of the Year, he would be gone if it weren’t for the OSC. This agency is making a difference for whistleblowers and the public they serve.”

Contact: Andrew Harman, GAP Communications Director
Phone: 202-457-0034 Ext. 156
Email: [email protected]

Government Accountability Project

The Government Accountability Project is the nation’s leading whistleblower protection organization. Through litigating whistleblower cases, publicizing concerns and developing legal reforms, GAP’s mission is to protect the public interest by promoting government and corporate accountability. Founded in 1977, GAP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.

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