Opinion ID: 2744103
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Penalty of Removal

Text: We reverse all of the charges against Mr. Wrocklage except Charge 1: Improper Possession of TECS Information. In light of the significant change in number and seriousness of sustained charges, we vacate the penalty of removal and remand for reconsideration of the appropriate penalty. See Guise v. Dep’t of Justice, 330 F.3d 1376, 1381 (Fed. Cir. 2003). We disagree with the government that the penalty of removal can be sustained on Charge 1 alone based on the record in this case. Neither the AJ nor the Board made any findings concerning removal on the basis of that charge alone. In fact, the evidence shows that the standard penalty for a first offense of this nature is “written reprimand to 14-day suspension.” Moreover, there were no factual findings concerning whether Mr. Wrocklage intentionally took the TECS report home, which is a proper consideration in a Douglas Factors analysis. See Douglas v. Veterans Admin., 5 M.S.P.R. 280, 305–06 (1981). Finally, Mr. Wrocklage’s immediate self-reporting of his conduct and the fact that no one saw the information contained in the TECS report are factors that significantly reduce the seriousness of the violation and militate in favor of a lesser penalty. See id.