Secret Service agents relieved of duty over misconduct allegations

President Barack Obama waves upon arrival to Cartagena, Colombia, April 13, 2012. Obama is in Cartagena to attend the sixth Summit of the Americas. At right is U.S. ambassador to Colombia Michael McKinley. / AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa

(CBS/AP) - Secret Service agents that were sent to Colombia to provide security for President Barack Obama at an international summit have been relieved of duty because of allegations of misconduct, an agency spokesman told CBS News.

Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan provided this e-mail statement to CBS News late Friday night: "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."

A U.S. official, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and requested anonymity, told the Associated Press the number of agents was 12. The agency was not releasing the number of personnel involved.

The incident threatened to overshadow Obama's economic and trade agenda at the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia, and embarrass the U.S. The White House had no comment.

Obama was attending a leaders' dinner Friday night at Cartagena's historic Spanish fortress. He was due to attend summit meetings with regional leaders Saturday and Sunday.

"These personnel changes will not affect the comprehensive security plan that has been prepared in advance of the president's trip," Donovan said.

[ScottBarnes]

Already got the first of many to come, I am sure of nasty calls from Special Agents on the post , bring it on fellows

[ScottBarnes]

Already got the first I am sure of nasty calls from Special Agents on the post , bring it on fellows

[ScottBarnes]

WHCA will ensure this never gets known in detail all communications which WHCA is responsible for will destory any and all incriminating evidence. I know first hand from the Royal Palms Resort Incident in Scottsdale, AZ with SS and WHCA years ago with Shin Bit it all was concealed and the SS asked me to turn over the paper trail in order to protect the Executive Branch, the Agency (USSS) and (WHCA) from embarrassment and criminal misconduct. Hell'o Agent Sinco

[fr0thing]

More and more it seems that the president's administration is completely out of control. We just had the GSA scandal last week and now this?

[MIO42]

WAIT A MINUTE
OBAMA IS THERE TO PROMOTE TRADE
DID HE TELL SECURITY TO HELP HIM OUT ?

IT IS THE " OLDEST TRADE KNOWN"

[longtree-2009]

if prostitution is legal there, what's the big deal if they played during free time? can't get over mckinley dressed extremely informal compared to the POTUS and the military in the background. mckinley looks like and is dressed like he is being highly inconvenienced. there must be some kind of dress code, protocol, when the POTUS visits and is welcomed by any American Ambassador. mckinley should also be relieved of duty, replaced.

[Social_Adjudicator]

Failure to maintain aggressive vigilance?

CARTAGENA, Colombia - Colombian officials are reporting no injuries or damage from three small explosions as Western Hemisphere leaders arrived for a summit.

[dhs47]

Well actually it's you that is laughable. You have no idea what you are talking about.

[snowcap12]

Well, why is this not surprising? It seems like all of the Government Departments just love to party since Obama took office. They are good ole union government workers with nice perks all on the taxpayer. Was that Obama talking about fairness and taxes? He is laughable.

[demkicker123]

AGREED!!! Obama got to go!!

[sweetcakesmaria]

so is ur ma ma!