An internal probe revealed on Wednesday that several members of the U.S. Secret Service had accessed and may have leaked the personal files of a congressman, who was probing the agency. Investigators believe that the people responsible for the inappropriate disclosure intended to embarrass the lawmaker.

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Leaking the personal files of Utah Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz was reportedly discussed by Secret Service Deputy Director Ed Lowery in an email sent to a co-worker in March.

The move was intented to embarrass Chaffetz, who is at time heading a congressional probe regarding misconducts and lapses in the secret service.

Government inspectors also discovered that almost 50 secret service members got hold of the private data. Analysts say this may lead to their disciplinary action if it is proven that they were involved in the leakage of the congressman's private files to the media.

Chafeftz told reporters that the Secret Service has clearly overstepped its boundaries. He said that the move indicates that the agency meant to intimidate or scare him from probing them further. Chaffetz is currently the Chairman of the Congressional committee on government reforms. In 2003, he applied for a position in the secret service but was rejected

Jeh Johnson, the Secretary of Homeland Security, has apologized to the congressman. He expressed confidence that Joseph Clancy, Director of the Secret Service, will make sure those found guilty are punished.

It is interesting to note that most of people who viewed the Chaffetz's private files are all member of the Secret Service, many of whom hold high ranks. Yet, Clancy himself was not aware of the conduct of his men until the press got hold of the story, according to government investigators.

Secret Service Deputy Director Lowery, who was implicated in the leak, did not claim responsibility for the incident and has said that such release of the private emails was ethical. According to Lowery, he was angry when he suggested that the congressman's emails are leaked. He further claims that neither he nor the recipient acted on the suggestion.

Secret Service Director Clancy has also apologized to the congressman. He vowed that the guilty parties will be held accountable for their misdeeds regardless of their position in the service.

TagsU.S. Secret Service, Secret Service scandal, secret service lapses, Jeh Johnson, Jason Chaffetz, homeland security, Joseph Clancy, ed lowery, secret service leak