The hidden-camera muckraker, James O’Keefe, is reportedly under criminal investigation following allegations of unethical business conduct.
Project Veritas, the controversial organization founded by O’Keefe, has faced both praise and criticism for its work. While Project Veritas claims to expose corruption and bias in various institutions, its tactics have sparked debates about journalistic ethics and the accuracy of their reporting. Critics argue that the organization’s selective editing and use of hidden cameras leads to misleading portrayals of events. On the other hand, supporters see Project Veritas as a necessary counterforce to what they perceive as mainstream media bias.
The founder is fired
Earlier this year in February, Project Veritas unceremoniously booted founder James O’Keefe from the organization. The then Chairman and CEO did not disclose the conditions of his own release. However, the company’s board did state his termination was related to spending “an excessive amount of donor funds in the last three years on personal luxuries.”
According to an article published by The Nation on August 16th, and echoed by the Associated Press on August 18th, O’Keefe is currently under scrutiny by authorities over this alleged fiscal malfeasance. This comes after a civil complaint had already been filed by Project Veritas against O’Keefe in May. That complaint alleges breach of contract and causing the company “serious and significant damage.”
The criminal inquiry is being run by Westchester County District Attorney, Mimi Rocah–as confirmed by the DA’s Director of Public Affairs, Jin Whang. And while Project Veritas noted that it complies with all legal investigations, it denies involvement in spurring this investigation. Furthermore, the DA’s office has not disclosed any details of the investigation, nor what stage it may be in at this time.
The legal team representing O’Keefe were initially unaware of this investigation. They attribute it to “disgruntled former employees” and promise to “crush” any further investigations in court.
A criminal past
This isn’t O’Keefe’s first criminal exposure. In January 2010, James O’Keefe and colleagues were arrested for entering Senator Mary Landrieu’s office under false pretenses. Dressed as repairmen, authorities charged them with intending to damage the phone system. The charges were reduced to a misdemeanor. O’Keefe got probation, community service, and a fine for investigating alleged constituent call neglect.
Whether this case produces charges or not is pure speculation at this point. However, O’Keefe’s termination, the civil lawsuit against him, and now this reported criminal investigation mount a ton of negative attention on someone who made their career being on the other side of the lens.
