DHS Watchdog Resigns Amid Scandal

Accused of misconduct and was facing a hearing

The chief watchdog for the Department of Homeland Security has stepped down from his post under a gathering cloud of allegations about his own conduct, just days before he was set to testify before the Senate. 

Charles Edwards, who served in the role of acting and deputy inspector general for the sprawling department, resigned and already has moved to another position within DHS. 

The IG office confirmed the departure in a brief statement to FoxNews.com, adding that his assistant will take his place in the interim. 

"Mr. Edwards resigned. Mr. Carlton Mann is the Acting IG. We have no additional information at this time," the statement said. 

A DHS official said Edwards "formally requested a voluntary reassignment" last week. "In line with existing protocols and procedures, that request for a voluntary reassignment was processed, and based on the employee's experience and technical background he has been reassigned to a career position at [the science and technology division]," the official said. 

The abrupt move only adds to the questions surrounding Edwards' activities. He originally was scheduled to testify Thursday before a Senate committee. The title of the hearing was, "Alleged Misconduct by the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security."