epartment investigated these allegations and found them to be meritless; and (3) the U.S. Attorney's Office 12 EFTA00184855 Case Qa6-mye4RID7art-MANI Damnmat -1@nt€itStsal EingaSOdReakINT/2.O1A0116adilatb df416f 16 elected to use a Special Master (retired U.S. District Court Judge MO) to make the final