U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins to resign following DOJ IG probe

U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins will resign from her post following the conclusion a review by the Department of Justice inspector general of her appearance at a political fundraiser.

The review was prompted by Rollins' appearance at a Democratic fundraising event in Massachusetts that featured first lady Jill Biden, the Associated Press reported. Rollins indicated that she had secured proper "approval" to meet the first lady, though other sources indicated that the permission she obtained was "limited."

The investigation reportedly looked into other ethics issues, including her possible use of a personal phone for official business and a trip she took to California that an outside entity financed.

While the final report remains unpublished, Rollins' attorney informed the AP that she would submit a letter of resignation by the of the week. That attorney indicated that Rollins "understands that her presence has become a distraction."

She is facing a separate investigation from the Office of Special Counsel related to her attendance at the Democratic fundraiser and whether it violated the Hatch Act.

Republicans had adamantly opposed Rollins' appointment and it took the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris to advance her nomination, the AP noted.

She was the first black woman to be U.S. attorney for Massachusetts.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.