Charles Riechers

Charles Riechers (1960 – 2007) was principal deputy to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition in 2007 when he committed suicide.

Riechers had been given a job for two months through a defense contractor, Commonwealth Research Institute, for which he was paid $26,788 while awaiting his appointment, where he performed duties in support of the position he was appointed to. Riechers was found dead at his Virginia home on October 14, 2007.

"I really didn't do anything for CRI," Riechers, said "I got a paycheck from them."(Washington Post, Oct. 1, 2007)

At the time, the Air Force downplayed the report, saying the temporary job was a common arrangement to help the service under an existing contract. A spokeswoman also said Riechers had been quoted out of context. Two military officials said Mr. Riechers had apparently killed himself by running his car’s engine in his enclosed garage.

"While Mr. Riechers's appointment was pending, the Air Force identified an opportunity to gain immediately from Mr. Riechers's expertise under a preexisting contract and open task order with Commonwealth Research," the Air Force said.