President Obama’s top spokesman on Friday called the allegations of sexual misconduct against a Secret Service agent “disgusting.”
“The allegations … are disgusting,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said, calling them accusations “the administration and the Secret Service take quite seriously.”
Earnest said he was “unable and unwilling” to comment on the details of the case.
A uniformed Secret Service agent working at the White House was arrested and charged for sending nude photos and soliciting a sexual encounter with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.
The agent, identified as Lee Robert Moore, allegedly sent some of the messages from White House grounds.
The incident is the latest black eye for the Secret Service, whose reputation has been marred over the past two years by a series of scandals involving agent misconduct.
Upon learning of the allegations on Nov. 6, the Secret Service suspended Moore and placed him on administrative leave. His access to all agency facilities was revoked and his equipment was confiscated.
“The Secret Service takes allegations of potential criminal activity extremely seriously,” an agency representative told ABC News.
Earnest said the White House was immediately informed of the charges against Moore and praised the Secret Service for acting swiftly to address them.
“I think the prompt and decisive action that was taken by the leadership of the Secret Service is an indication of their commitment” to implement reforms, Earnest said.
The spokesman said President Obama “without a doubt” retains confidence in the agency’s director, Joseph Clancy.