FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A new report from a federal watchdog says the director of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education violated hiring practices and gave inconsistent statements to investigators.

The report by the Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General found Charles “Monty” Roessel abused his position to hire a close relative and a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the report ahead of its release Wednesday.

Roessel told investigators he hired the woman as a program analyst in Washington, D.C., because she was the most qualified candidate. He acknowledged fault in the hiring of his relative to work at Navajo Nation schools.

The Bureau of Indian Education oversees nearly 200 schools serving American Indian children. It has faced scrutiny recently for rundown classrooms and for failing to conduct regular inspections at dozens of schools.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.