Report ignored explicit images found on park official's computer

The inspector general's investigation noted that Latschar said the construction project would be funded by the foundation and that no taxpayer money would be used. However, as the price tag jumped from $39.3 million to $135 million, $35 million in public financing was ultimately needed to finish construction, records show.

The report also said that Latschar planned late last year to leave his job as superintendent to take a $245,000-a-year job as the foundation's president.

An internal Jan. 26, 2009, memo, obtained by The Post, shows that during the course of the inspector general's investigation, department ethics officials stepped in, pointing out several legal obstacles Latschar would face. The memo says post-government employment laws would prohibit him from performing many job duties, including "any communication to or appearance before an employee of the United States."

As a result, Latschar dropped his planned job move, records show.

Investigators made no determination in the public report about whether Latschar's conduct was improper or unethical. Kris Kolesnik, an Inspector General's Office spokesman, said investigators are prohibited from drawing conclusions and that they must lay out facts, point by point. Kolesnik added that it is up to the department to "draw the conclusions." Kendall declined interview requests.

The Inspector General's Office would not comment on why the findings of Latschar's improper use of his office computer were omitted from the report.

Several critics of Latschar's said they were upset about the inspector general's omissions from the report but are more concerned that the Park Service has not explained whether it will take any disciplinary action against the superintendent for cost overruns, his relationship with the foundation and the latest revelations about his computer use.

"It's disturbing, but the inspector general looks for criminal activity, not indecency," said Eric Uberman, whose family has owned a Gettysburg wax museum of Civil War figures since 1962. "The Park Service will not hold him accountable."