CNN and CBS both reported that Leonhart is expected to resign. A DEA spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.
Lawmakers from both parties slammed Leonhart last week over the revelation that none of the DEA agents involved in so-called "sex parties" in Colombia were fired or even significantly punished. The Justice Department Inspector General found out about DEA agents stationed in Colombia hiring prostitutes during an investigation into sexual harassment and sexual misconduct within several law enforcement agencies. The report was released last month.
Leonhart has long seemed rhetorically out of step with the Obama administration on drug policy, and many longtime DOJ officials say they're surprised she's lasted as long as she has. Early on in the administration, the DEA clashed with DOJ officials over the best approach to states that had legalized medical marijuana. Last year, Leonhart had a discussion with Attorney General Eric Holder after she seemed to support mandatory minimum sentences the Obama administration was working to curtail. She had also been publicly critical of the Justice Department's decision not to sue Colorado and Washington for legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes, and reportedly criticized President Barack Obama for saying that marijuana was no more harmful than alcohol.
One key question is who the Obama administration could nominate to take Leonhart's place as head of the agency who could pass muster both within the DEA as well as in the Republican-controlled Senate.
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