The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had quietly ousted its chief in Mexico last year over his improper socialization with drug lawyers, according to recently reviewed records.
Nicholas Palmeri, 52, had served as the DEA’s regional director for Mexico for 14 months before he was removed from his position, which came after he had been socializing and vacationing with Miami drug lawyers, according to records. As the regional director in Mexico, Palmeri was in charge of supervising dozens of agents across Mexico, Central America and Canada, according to the Associated Press.
DESANTIS TIGHTENS PUNISHMENTS FOR DRUG, SEX CRIMES IN ‘LAW AND ORDER’ LEGISLATION
“The post of regional director in Mexico is the most important one in DEA’s foreign operations, and when something like this happens, it’s disruptive,” said Mike Vigil, the DEA’s former chief of international operations.
Other internal investigations that led to Palmeri’s downfall included complaints over his handling lack of care in COVID-19 precautions, which led to two sick agents requiring to be airlifted out of Mexico. Additionally, Palmeri had approved of using drug-fighting funds for inappropriate purposes and attempted to reimburse himself for expenses used in paying for a birthday party, according to the records.
The DEA has not given specifics on Palmeri being removed from the position or why he was allowed to retire instead of being fired, though an official told the outlet that the DEA “has zero tolerance for improper contacts between defense attorneys and DEA employees.”
Palmeri has described the misconduct investigations as a “witch hunt” that were prompted by personal and professional jealousies and “an ill-conceived narrative to remove me from my position.” He added that his relationships with the drug lawyers have “always been professional and ethical.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“It is ironic that the Department of ‘Justice’ would commit this injustice to the country,” Palmeri wrote in an email.
The Washington Examiner has contacted the DEA for comment.
