Minister Lincolao and the Fictitious Contract: Allegations of Misrepresentation Regarding Residency for a U.S. Public Office

By Guido Camu Cárdenas

Ximena Lincolao, the current Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation under President José Antonio Kast, emigrated from Chile to the United States in 1997. During her time in the U.S., she has used several names: Ximena Gates, Ximena Hartsock, and Ximena Gates-Hartsock.

Controversial Appointment and Closure of Daycare Centers

After holding various positions and earning a Ph.D. in administration and public policy from George Washington University, Lincolao was appointed interim director of the Department of Parks and Recreation in April 2009 by then-Mayor Adrian Fenty, while she was serving as deputy superintendent of education for the District of Columbia. Her tenure was marked by conflicts with the department’s union, as Lincolao was responsible for shutting down the Office of Educational Services, which had provided daycare services to working families since 1974.

Lincolao justified this closure due to a $4 million deficit that made the service unsustainable. However, Eric Goulet, the former budget director for the D.C. Council, indicated that sufficient funds from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education existed to continue operations. Six months later, the D.C. Council voted against confirming her in the position.

The Lie About Her Residency

In the United States, a general inspector—an independent figure similar to the General Comptroller in Chile—audits irregularities in the public sector, uncovers fraud, and refers cases to justice to ensure government transparency and efficiency.

According to a report from the inspector general of the District of Columbia, when Lincolao was asked to assume the interim director role at the Department of Parks and Recreation, she was residing in Arlington, Virginia. She mistakenly believed that to hold the position, she needed to live in Washington D.C. A friend employed at the District’s Public Schools offered her basement to declare Washington D.C. as her residence on the federal I-9 form (Employment Eligibility Verification) that needed to be submitted. They both signed a rental agreement for $750 a month.

However, an inspection by the inspector general of both parties’ bank records revealed no payments were made, indicating a fictitious contract.

Ethical Violations and Irregular Payments

In addition, the review found a payment initiated by Lincolao to the same friend amounting to $4,200 for summer work at a rate of $27 per hour in the Parks and Recreation Department that she managed.

The inspector general concluded that Lincolao committed four violations of the District’s Personnel Manual: “bestowing preferential treatment on anyone,” “losing absolute independence or impartiality,” “negatively impacting public trust in government integrity,” and “receiving a gift from a lower-paid employee.” The false declarations on the Employment Eligibility Verification form were referred to the federal prosecutor’s office, which decided not to pursue charges, according to the report.

Access to Public Information Sources Regarding the Events:

Washington Examiner

Washington City Paper

Public Employee Rights Portal / AFGE

DCIST / WAMU 88.5 | American University Radio

La entrada Minister Lincolao and the Fictitious Contract: Allegations of Misrepresentation Regarding Residency for a U.S. Public Office se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.