A U.S. Secret Service prostitution scandal in Cartagena, Colombia, led to the departure of three employees and investigations involving 11 agency personnel and about 10 military members. The incident occurred ahead of President Barack Obama’s arrival for the Summit of the Americas and raised questions about the conduct and supervision of those assigned to prepare for his visit.

Investigators believe the April 11 episode involved heavy drinking, a strip club and payments to women working as prostitutes. It came to light the following morning after a dispute over payment at the Hotel Caribe drew the attention of hotel staff and Colombian authorities. The Secret Service recalled and replaced the 11 employees before Obama arrived. Eight remained suspended, and their top-secret security clearances were lifted. The White House said the president’s security was never compromised.

Two senior supervisors, David Chaney and Greg Stokes, were among those forced out. Chaney retired under pressure, while Stokes was notified that he would be fired and given an opportunity to contest the charges. A third, junior employee resigned. Their attorney, Lawrence Berger, said the investigations were incomplete and that judgment about his clients’ roles was premature. He maintained that nothing reported had harmed their mission or the president’s visit.

The involvement of experienced supervisors prompted questions about accountability and whether the incident reflected a broader problem within the agency. Congressional overseers, including Rep. Peter King and Sen. Chuck Grassley, predicted further dismissals. Investigators interviewed employees and hotel staff, while the military conducted a separate inquiry. King said investigators had been unable to interview the women involved.

The controversy intensified after reports emerged of Facebook comments Chaney made about Sarah Palin, whom he had protected during the 2008 presidential campaign. Alongside a photograph of himself standing behind her, Chaney joked that he had been “checking her out.” Palin called the remarks embarrassing, responded, “You’re fired,” and criticized the administration’s management.

The White House expressed continued confidence in Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan and urged patience while the investigations proceeded. Lawmakers from both parties condemned the conduct, though they differed over responsibility: some Republicans called for leadership changes or questioned Obama’s management, while Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said those responsible should be held accountable without discrediting the many Secret Service employees who serve responsibly.