CFR

2634.503—Determinations.

(a) Where the Senior Attorney concludes that violations or apparent violations of the trust restrictions exist and may warrant revocation of trust certification or trustee approval previously granted under § 2634.405 or § 2634.406 of this subpart, the Senior Attorney may, pursuant to the procedure specified in paragraph (b) of this section, conduct a review of the matter, and may submit findings and a recommendation concerning final action to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics.

(b) Review procedure. (1) In his review of the matter, the Senior Attorney shall perform such examination and analysis of violations or apparent violations as he deems reasonable.

(2) The Senior Attorney shall provide an independent trustee and, if appropriate, the interested parties, with:

(i) Notice that revocation of trust certification or trustee approval is under consideration pursuant to the procedures in this subpart;

(ii) A summary of the violation or apparent violations which shall state the preliminary facts and circumstances of the transactions or occurrences involved with sufficient particularity to permit the recipients to determine the nature of the allegations; and

(iii) Notice that the recipients may present evidence and submit statements on any matter in issue within ten business days of the recipient's actual receipt of the notice and summary.

(c) Determination. (1) In making determinations with respect to the violations or apparent violations under this section, the Director of the Office of Government Ethics shall consider the findings and recommendations of final action submitted by the Senior Attorney under paragraph (a) of this section, as well as the written record of review compiled under paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) If the Director finds a violation or violations of the trust restrictions he may, as he deems appropriate:

(i) Issue an order revoking trust certification or trust approval;

(ii) Resolve the matter through any other remedial action within the Director's authority;

(iii) Order further examination and analysis of the violation or apparent violation; or

(iv) Decline to take further action.

(3) If an order of revocation is issued, the parties to the trust instrument shall be expeditiously notified in writing. The notice shall state the basis for the revocation, and shall inform the parties either that the trust is no longer a qualified blind or qualified diversified trust for any purpose under Federal law; or that the independent trustee may no longer serve the trust in any capacity, and must be replaced by a successor, who is subject to the prior written approval of the Director; or both where appropriate.

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