Julia Varvaro, a 29-year-old Deputy Assistant Homeland Security Secretary, has been placed on leave amid allegations of 'sugar dating'. Her ex-boyfriend claims she used him to fund her expensive lifestyle, sparking a watchdog probe.
Varvaro's ex-boyfriend, identified as Robert B., reportedly spent around $40,000 on her during their three-month relationship, which included trips to Italy, San Diego, Aruba, and South Carolina.
Varvaro has denied the allegations, stating that she is not the first person to be accused of a 'failed short relationship' in DC.
Here are 5 things to know about Julia Varvaro:
Varvaro holds a PhD in investigative psychology and has worked as an adjunct professor at St John's University.
She previously worked as a program analyst for FEMA and a corporate security analyst for First Republic Bank.
Varvaro is a Long Island native and her father was a member of the New York Police Department who helped in the aftermath of 9/11.
'Sugar dating' is a transactional relationship where the younger person receives financial support and gifts in exchange for intimacy or companionship.
