So, here's how they roll down at Commissioner Steve Troxler's (R) NC Department of Agriculture:
1. Tip off the industry (you're supposed to be regulating) about a law enforcement investigation into alleged animal cruelty;
2. When investigators question you -- deny it;
3. When investigators confront you with information that contradicts your denial -- admit it;
4. Stay on the job while Commissioner Troxler calls you an "exemplary employee";
5. Extend arm for perfunctory slap on the wrist -- 2 weeks without pay;
5. Plead guilty to obstruction of justice; and . . .
6. Nothing. That's it. You expected more? We're done.
Dr. Sarah Jean Mason, Director of Animal Health Programs with the NC Department of Agriculture -- please return to work.
Department spokesman Brian Long said the guilty pleas wouldn't affect Mason's employment. "We have taken our disciplinary action. We knew going in that she could be charged with something," Long said.
Video and more after the jump.
For a slightly different perspective on Dr. Mason's conduct, here's the District Attorney:
"It is vital that law enforcement be able to rely on other government agencies and their employees to safeguard confidential information that must be shared during a criminal investigation," Hoke County District Attorney Kristy Newton said in a statement.
"It is unfortunate that Dr. Mason chose to breach the level of trust that her fellow public officials and the people of North Carolina placed in her when she released confidential information that could have potentially undermined an ongoing criminal investigation and then lied to police about her conduct," Newton said.
Video from January 11, when the story first broke:
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Latest coverage:
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Yeah, Commissioner, it's that whole lying to the police thing. Not good, especially in an election year.