The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into allegations that state vital records have been mishandled, agency Director Vernon Keenan confirmed.
"We made it a priority case," Keenan said, referring to the case involving the Department of Human Resources' Office of Vital Records.
Keenan said DHR Commissioner B.J. Walker asked for the investigation about two weeks ago, acting on a whistle-blower's tip.
The case involves "the handling of files and records in the vital records section . . . They [agents] are finishing up that investigation now," Keenan said.
The Office of Vital Records maintains the state's birth and death certificates. It also prepares delayed certificates of birth, amends birth and death records and does new birth certificates for adoptions or when paternity is acknowledged.
"Some concerns have been brought to our attention regarding the management of the Office of Vital Records," DHR spokeswoman Taka Wiley wrote in an e-mail Friday. "DHR acted immediately to address and correct these issues to ensure that Georgians receive accurate and timely service."
Wiley would not discuss the status of the agency's director and would not name that person because, she said, "legally, that's a personnel issue."
Richard D. Wheat was identified as director in e-mails from the vital records office to the AJC as recently as February. But on Friday, Wiley would not say whether he still was in charge.
Staffer Matt Dempsey contributed to this article.
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