Formal investigation.

A formal investigation shall be initiated upon: Receipt of a written complaint transmitted to the Ethics Board; A finding by the Office of the Inspector General or District of Columbia Auditor of waste, fraud, abuse of government resources, or a violation of the Code of Conduct; or A finding by a court of competent jurisdiction of liability in a civil proceeding, indictment, or information in a criminal proceeding with respect to acts or offenses that may constitute violations of the Code of Conduct or of this subchapter. A written complaint shall include: The full name and address of the complainant and the respondent; A clear and concise statement of facts that are alleged to constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct or of this subchapter; The complainant’s signature; A verification of the complaint under oath; and Supporting documentation, if any. No complaint may be made under this subchapter later than 5 years after the discovery of the alleged violation. An individual making a complaint shall be afforded all available protections from adverse employment action or retaliation in accordance with Chapter 6 of this title and subchapter XII of Chapter 2 of Title 2 [§ 2-223.01 et seq.]. Within 30 business days of the initiation of a formal investigation, the Director of Government Ethics shall cause evidence concerning the complaint to be presented to the Ethics Board, with the potential for a 15-business-day extension to be granted by the Ethics Board. If the Ethics Board decides that there is reasonable belief that a violation has occurred, the Ethics Board may authorize the issuance of subpoenas.