Booth, who retired under investigation in 2019, had been a member of the Senior Executive Service since 2004 and worked for the Naval Audit Service for years. His office, with headquarters at the Washington Navy Yard and more than 300 employees, scrutinizes Navy programs for effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.
The inspector general found that Booth propositioned at least five female employees, including four whom he requested sexual favors from in exchange for career advancement, “all under the guise of professional career ‘mentoring’ that the employees expected from a senior leader.”
The woman who said she had a sporadic, long-term relationship with him told investigators that she believed it to be consensual “but later realized that Mr. Booth’s conduct throughout her career in establishing a sexual relationship with her, a subordinate, and holding career advancements over her, fit the definition of sexual harassment” under Defense Department standards, the report said.
The Defense Department has faced questions about its handling of sexual assault and harassment accusations, and predatory behavior.
Of 56 office employees interviewed, 19 said Booth acted professionally, 14 said he had a reputation as a “womanizer,” and three described him as being a “predator” with a reputation for pursuing young women in the office. Four women said other employees warned them about Booth.