Administrative Investigation of VAs FY 2011 HR Conferences in Orlando, FL

Appendix E

Affidavit of Mr. John U. Seplveda, September 25, 2012

Sworn Statement

I, John U. Seplveda, want to make the following statement under oath: I attest that I did not knowingly and willfully provide a false statement to OIG investigators when I was interviewed on August 16, 2012 regarding my knowledge of the two short motivational and educational films labeled by the media as the Patton videos. When specifically asked by OIG investigators whether I personally viewed these videos prior to their first public viewing during the VA One HR training conference in Orlando, FL, July 11- 15, 2011, I answered no. This response was based on my recollection at the time. I believed at the time that this answer was accurate and truthful. In fact, at the time I did not accurately recollect that my staff had indeed arranged for me to briefly preview, for the first time, the two videos on July 7, 2011. This short and unmemorable 30-minute meeting took place five days before the videos were shown on July 12, 2011 at the first of two One HR conferences. During a later review of my calendar for July 7, 2011, I saw that I attended several high priority meetings on that same day, including a Capitol Hill briefing for Senate staffers. These meetings presumably held my primary focus and attention throughout most of the day, which may account for my not remembering, one year later, that on that day I had previewed the videos prior to the start of the July conference. I would like to express my sincerest apologies of not correctly recollecting this brief July 7, 2011 meeting where the Patton videos were previewed and thus mistakenly providing OIG investigators incorrect information.

VA Office of Inspector General

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Administrative Investigation of VAs FY 2011 HR Conferences in Orlando, FL

I, John U. Seplveda, have read this statement which begins on page 1, and ends page 1. I fully understand the contents of the entire statement made by me. The statement is true. I have made this statement freely without hope of benefit or reward, without threat of punishment, and coercion, unlawful influence, or unlawful inducement.

OIG Response to the Seplveda Affidavit:

Mr. Seplveda was interviewed by three OIG employeestwo senior administrative investigators and an audit manageron August 16, 2012. The interview was under oath and audio-recorded. As with all such interviews, OIG provided Mr. Seplveda an opportunity to supplement, amend, or correct his testimony at that time or after the interview. During this interview, Mr. Seplveda made the false statement described in our report. Since the interview, Mr. Seplveda has not contacted the OIG. OIG first saw the affidavit of Mr. Seplveda on September 26, 2012, when the VA General Counsel met with the Inspector General. The affidavit was not made to OIG staff, and we had no opportunity to question Mr. Seplveda about it. The affidavit is dated September 25, 2012, which was 8 days after OIG had provided sworn testimony of all witnesses concerning the false statement issue. The content and circumstances surrounding the submission of the affidavit do not provide any reason for OIG to change any findings in the report, and we decline to do so.

VA Office of Inspector General

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