Special Investigations

OIG conducts in-depth investigations and analyses of alleged criminal wrongdoing, corruption, conflicts of interest, fraud and abuse in New York State agencies/entities which fall under its jurisdiction. When the scope, subject matter, or other considerations warrant, the Attorney-In-Charge of Special Investigations (AIC-SI) is responsible for conducting and overseeing interdisciplinary statewide teams to manage large scale investigations, projects and initiatives.

The AIC-SI is a working Investigative Counsel with a caseload and report writing responsibilities, but who reports directly to the Chief Deputy Inspector General on all Special Investigations, which comprise approximately 75% of her caseload. The AIC-SI’s regular caseload is supervised internally by her regional Deputy Inspector General.

Jessica Haaz was named Attorney-in-Charge of Special Investigations to the New York State Inspector General in March of 2022. Based in New York City, Jessica is responsible for leading statewide investigations of first impression or matters whose scope, subject matter, or sensitivity warrants particular attention.

Jessica joined OIG in August 2013 as an Investigative Counsel and was promoted in 2019 to Senior Investigative Counsel. Prior to joining OIG, Jessica’s legal experience encompassed both public and private sector work. Jessica was an Associate with Donohoe Talbert LLP (formerly known as Marsh Valentine & Donohoe LLP) where she represented high net worth individuals in matrimonial and family law matters. Jessica was also an Associate specializing in Securities Litigation and Criminal Defense at Bachner & Herskovits, PC. For four years, Jessica served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting matters including manslaughter, robbery, serious assault, fraud, and weapon and drug possession. Prior to attending law school, Jessica spent a year conducting polling and working as a Research Analyst with Penn Schoen & Berland.

Jessica is a graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies and Certificate in Markets & Management. She received her Juris Doctorate from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law where she participated in the Innocence Project and received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship.