Recently, a Landover, MD warehouse maintained by Apex Logistics LLC, a subcontractor of the Environmental Protection Agency, was subject to an internal audit by an inspecting government official. What the inspector general found was alarming to him, considering the $750,000 subsidy the company receivers each fiscal year, but if you ask me, I’ve got to say bravo fellas, for getting away with this tomfoolery for this long.

The warehouse contained multiple unauthorized and hidden personal spaces created by and for the workers that included televisions, refrigerators, radios, microwaves, chairs and couches. These spaces contained personal items, including photos, pin ups, calendars, clothing, books, magazines and videos. The unauthorized personal spaces were arranged so that they were out of sight of security cameras through the use of screens, partitions and piled-up boxes.

So, essentially these dudes were building their own personal man caves in the work place using government dime. The kicker is that they were smart enough to do it in a fashion that left their hijinks undetected this long. Apparently, Apex Logistics has garnered over $5.3 million worth of taxpayer money since May 2007, most of which is purported to go to “labor costs.”

Shit, with that chunk of change, you think these guys would at least try to scoop some flat screen TV’s. But then again, maybe they blew the cash on the fully equipped gym that auditors also stumbled upon.

The warehouse contained surplus gym equipment arranged to create exercise space for warehouse employees. The weights, machines, exercise equipment, and overall exercise area appeared to be well maintained. The exercise space was in excess of 30 by 45 feet. Carpet tiles from EPA inventory were placed on the floor in the gym area. This area has electrical power through an EPA power strip and provides music through other agency inventory items. Agency steno pads were used for recording workouts. These conditions raise questions about time charges made by warehouse employees under the contract. These conditions also present potential fire and insurance hazards if warehouse employees or others get hurt.

Wow. I’d say these guys were pretty much living the dream – receiving a government funded salary to chill at work and lift weights every day. I’m just left scratching my head wondering how far up the administration chain knowledge of these exploits went – the warehouse is reported to be 70,000+ square feet, and you’re telling me there apparently wasn’t one manager or supervisor who gave any fucks about what their workers did on a daily basis? Remarkable.

No wonder global warming seems to intensify exponentially year after year…

[via Government Executive]

Photos via EPA.gov

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