Allen Jones (whistleblower)

Allen Jones, who worked as an investigator in the Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General (OIG), gained widespread attention as a 'whistleblower' after voicing concerns about attempts by the pharmaceutical industry to implement a mental health screening plan, based on the controversial Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP), in Pennsylvania. Subsequently, TMAP has been recommended as a model for use throughout the United States by the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, a panel whose members were hand picked by George W. Bush.

In 2002, Jones discovered evidence of payments, primarily from Pfizer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, into an off-the-books account, earmarked for educational grants to be doled out in Pennsylvania. Jones' investigation revealed Janssen paid government officials who influenced decisions over which drugs were prescribed in prisons and mental hospitals. Pennsylvania is now among about a dozen States using medical algorithm formularies modeled after TMAP.

In May, 2004 the British Medical Journal reported Jones had uncovered evidence major drug companies sought to influence government officials. Jones was escorted out of his workplace on April 28, 2004, after OIG officials accused him of talking to the press. Jones was relieved of his duties because he breached OIG guidelines that no worker may report confidential data. Jones indicates he chose to disclose his findings to the press precisely because of corrupt behavior by OIG officials themselves, alleging the OIG's policy was "unconstitutional."

Jones further alleged, in a wrongful termination suit, OIG officials had sought to "coverup, discourage, and limit any investigations or oversight into the corrupt practices of large drug companies and corrupt public officials who have acted with them."