The federal official investigating Iraq reconstruction problems is himself under scrutiny. A President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency committee is looking into allegations made against Stuart Bowen, special investigator for Iraq reconstruction, the White House confirmed on May 3.

The probe stems from complaints filed by former employees about Bowen in 2006, including that he didn’t come to work for long periods and used staff to help with a book, according to a published report. A spokesman for Bowen’s office had no comment.

President’s council Chairman Clay Johnson III is an Office of Management and Budget deputy director. But the White House has no role in the Bowen probe, a spokesman says, adding that investigators in such cases operate independently of agencies.