A Secret Service agent tasked with protecting Michelle Obama during an event was discovered to have obtained an attendee's phone number and subsequently began to sext her. Pool photo by Drew Angerer/UPI | License Photo

A member of the uniformed division of the U.S. Secret Service stand in front of the White House. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- A junior Secret Service agent is under federal investigation after rumors emerged suggesting he obtained a potential romantic partner's phone number while on the job.

The Washington Post confirms that the young agent was working detail at an event attended by Michelle Obama when he met and exchanged numbers with a female event planner.


After the May 20 gathering, which was meant to honor military caregivers, the agent began sending sexually explicit and suggestive messages to the woman via text. The possibility that he had been distracted by the exchange while protecting the first lady has prompted the agency and affiliates to conduct an investigation.

Initial reports of the incident were published by the National Enquirer, who alerted the Secret Service of the apparent communication and the context of its start.

USSS spokesman Brian Leary told Washington Post's Carol Leonnig that the agency is aware of the allegations. "As is our policy with any allegation of misconduct, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) has been notified and this matter will be investigated jointly between the DHS-OIG and the Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility," he said.

"At this time, the individual has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation."