Lois Lerner Retiring: IRS Official at Center of Controversy Stepping Down, Say Reports

Lois Lerner, the Director of the IRS Exempt Organizations division who oversaw a controversial initiative to target the “Tea Party” and other conservative groups, will retire on Monday, according to reports.

In this May 22, 2013, photo, Lois Lerner listens on Capitol Hill in Washington. A day after she refused to answer questions at a congressional hearing, Lerner has been replaced as director the Internal Revenue Service division that oversaw agents who targeted tea party groups. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Lois Lerner, the Director of the IRS Exempt Organizations division who oversaw a controversial initiative to target the “Tea Party” and other conservative groups, will retire on Monday, according to reports.

Sources told The Associated Press that she was previously placed on paid leave, but is now stepping down.

New York Times reporter Jonathan Weisman reported that senior lawmakers were told by the IRS that she will retire.

In the scandal, it was discovered that mostly conservative groups were targeted, while liberal-leaning groups and the Occupy movement were also affected but at a lower rate.

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