A prostitution scandal involving Secret Service employees preparing for President Barack Obama’s visit to Cartagena, Colombia, led to the departure of three agency employees and investigations into the conduct of others. The episode raised questions about security, supervision and accountability at the agency.

The incident occurred ahead of the Summit of the Americas. Authorities were alerted after a dispute over payment between a Secret Service employee and a woman at the Hotel Caribe on April 12. Investigators believe the events included heavy drinking, a visit to a strip club and payments to women working as prostitutes. Eleven Secret Service employees and about 10 military personnel were implicated. The Secret Service recalled and replaced its employees before Obama arrived; the White House said the president’s security was never compromised.

Two senior supervisors, David Chaney and Greg Stokes, were among the employees forced out, while a third employee resigned. Eight others remained suspended and had their security clearances lifted. Chaney retired under pressure, and Stokes was notified that he would be fired but would have an opportunity to contest the charges, according to people familiar with the investigation. Their attorney, Lawrence Berger, said it was premature to judge their roles and maintained that their actions had not harmed the mission or the president’s visit.

The involvement of experienced supervisors sent to oversee younger advance-team members prompted scrutiny of whether the incident reflected a wider cultural problem. Investigators interviewed employees and hotel staff, and lawmakers said further dismissals were likely. A separate military investigation was also underway.

The scandal drew additional attention when *The Washington Post* reported that Chaney had joked on Facebook about “checking out” Sarah Palin while protecting her during the 2008 presidential campaign. Palin called the comments embarrassing, welcomed his departure and criticized Obama’s management. Fox News host Greta Van Susteren noted that the comments concerned service during the Bush administration.

The White House expressed confidence in Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan and urged patience while the investigations continued. Lawmakers from both parties condemned the conduct, although they differed over its implications. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called for accountability while cautioning against blaming the entire agency; some Republicans called for leadership changes or questioned Obama’s management.