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Former Prosecutor To Be Smithsonian Chief Auditor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal inspector and former prosecutor has been appointed inspector general at the Smithsonian Institution following the departure of a former chief auditor who uncovered past abuses in executive spending at the museum complex.

The Smithsonian announced Wednesday that Scott Dahl will take over as inspector general Jan. 15. The 49-year-old is currently deputy inspector general at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Since 2003, Dahl has served in various federal inspector general offices. Previously, he was a corruption prosecutor and trial attorney in the Justice Department.

Former Inspector General Sprightley Ryan served in the post since 2007. Her audits in 2007 and 2008 revealed lavish spending and compensation at the Smithsonian's business unit and the National Museum of the American Indian.

A spokeswoman says Ryan left in November.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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