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Jill Kelley leaves her home in Tampa, Fla., on Nov. 13.
Jill Kelley, the Tampa, Fla., socialite who inadvertently launched the FBI investigation that led to the resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus, will be sacked as an “honorary consul” for South Korea because she used the title for personal gain, a senior official said Monday during a U.S. visit.
South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Kyou-hyun first revealed Kelley’s removal from the post, which pays $2,500 a year, on Monday during a visit to Washington, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.
"It's not suitable to the status of honorary consul that (she) sought to be involved in commercial projects and peddle influence," Yonhap quoted Kim as saying.
The Associated Press reported that an unidentified government official in Seoul confirmed the action on Tuesday.
The South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately return phone calls from NBC News seeking comment.
It was not immediately clear what Kim was referring to as far as Kelley’s alleged efforts to benefit from the honorary consul post.
A New York businessman, Adam Victor, told Dateline NBC that Kelley was introduced to him at the Republican National Convention in Tampa in August as someone whose friendship with Petraeus would help facilitate a no-bid deal with South Korea on a coal-gasification project. She would supposedly be in a position to help broker the billion-dollar deal directly with the Korean president, and expected a 2 percent commission, according to Victor, president and chief executive officer of TransGas Development Systems.
ABC News has reported that it reviewed emails that appear to support Victor’s account.
But Abbe Lowell, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing Kelley, on Tuesday disputed Victor's account, telling NBC News that the businessman misrepresented the fee that was discussed, that Kelley never accepted any offer and that Victor falsely claimed that the discussions had anything to do with her connections with the U.S. military.
The 37-year-old Kelley also cited her honorary post in 9-1-1 calls complaining about members of the media who besieged her house after the Petraeus scandal broke, incorrectly maintaining that it entitled her to some type of diplomatic protection.
"I'm an honorary consul general, so I have inviolability, so they should not be able to cross my property," she said on tapes released earlier this month. "I don't know if you want to get diplomatic protection involved as well, because that's against the law to cross my property because, you know, it's inviolable."
A senior South Korean Foreign Ministry official who handles consulate affairs in the United States told the AP on Tuesday that honorary consuls don't have diplomatic immunity, and that the ministry applies much less strict standards in appointing them than it does for potential government officials.
Kelley also had worked as a volunteer “social liaison” to MacDill Air Force Base until mid-November, when her participation in the “Friends of MacDill” program was revoked as the Petraeus scandal erupted.
Kelley met Petraeus after he took over as head of U.S. Central Command at MacDill in October 2008, and became friends with him and his wife, Holly, during his time there.
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Numerous government and law enforcement officials have told NBC News that Kelley inadvertently triggered the FBI investigation that led to Petraeus’ resignation as CIA chief on Nov. 9, citing an extramarital affair.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say Kelley complained in mid-May to an FBI agent she was acquainted with about harassing anonymous emails warning her to stay away from Petraeus. The agent turned over the emails to the local FBI cyber investigations unit, which traced them to Paula Broadwell, Petreus’ biographer, the officials said.
In the course of the investigation, the agents discovered evidence that Petreaus and Broadwell had engaged in an extramarital affair, they said.
Kelley has largely remained silent since her role in the case became public shortly after Petraeus resigned. She and her husband, Scott, issued a single statement on Nov. 11, saying, "We and our family have been friends with Gen. Petraeus and his family for over five years. We respect his and his family's privacy and want the same for us and our three children."
In a separate investigation, the Pentagon’s inspector general is looking into “potentially inappropriate” emails that Kelley exchanged with Petraeus’ temporary successor as CentCom commander, Marine Gen. John Allen, defense officials tell NBC News.
The officials say a small number of the emails contained language that could be considered “inappropriate” or even “suggestive.” They also said that the investigation was deemed necessary to remove any suggestion that the Pentagon was covering up any improprieties by Allen, who remains in command of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan pending the outcome of the probe.
And sources close to Kelley have denied speculation that she had any kind of inappropriate relationship with Allen and praised her work at MacDill, which they noted was recognized by authorities there.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Another republican whore goes down in flames...
rebublican? is this the only article you have read on it?
Uhm, she's been hanging out at the White House on Obama's watch, not a republican's.
Two - S. Korea was told she could influence a multi-billion dollar deal for them and all they paid her was $2,500 - no wonder she tried to get a little more out of it. lol
There are plenty of republicans that go to the white house, its not off limits to them...(YET)!
IA.ScooterTramp -She just follows the money.
"A New York businessman, Adam Victor, has said that Kelley was introduced to him at the Republican National Convention in Tampa in August as someone whose friendship with Petraeus would help facilitate a no-bid deal with South Korea on a coal-gasification project."
somebefuddledperson-She was expecting a lot more than $2,500
"She would supposedly be in a position to help broker the billion-dollar deal directly with the Korean president, and expected a 2 percent commission, according to Victor, president and chief executive officer of TransGas Development Systems."
What surprised me is that Adam Victor thought the commission was too high. I don't know if it was or wasn't but it was a multi billion dollar transaction. She should be paid millions for putting that together.
The only difference between what Kelly did and the Arab tradition of Baksheesh is that ours are institutionalized. We call them Lobbyists and Politicians. Call her what you will, but if you were in her position would you have asked for a commission to "broker a deal?"
Are they all not whores regardless of gender?
"She should be paid millions for putting that together."
Oh good gawd. Sounds like you are a candidate to watch her inevitable reality show.
If you had read her quotes, she is a big obama supporting. She was quoted as being extremely happy the POTUS was reelected. Probably because he was employing her boyfriends.
Secondly, infidelity goes far beyond democrat or republican.
Sorry, all of you saying she is Obama supporting are completely out of the loop. She is a died in the wool REPUBLICAN. She has been to mainly republican functions and events. She has also supported only republicans for office. You need to research things more and avoid Faux News if you want anything based in REALITY.
Sandy is right, and generally within military circles public statements are to support whoever is in office currently. The military is not NEARLY as politically biased as the vine is.
If what we are told is to be believed she has had a long association and admiration of military service people including Generals Kelly and Petraeus, and her parroting a similar political stance is not entirely unreasonable to expect.
Sandy. Shame on you for putting "Faux" and "News" in the same sentence.
Proper spelling is "Faux Nuze".
Well she certainly understands the glory of hindsight. Give a power hungry Biacch some authority and watch her throw it in everyones face.
I mean who says " I have inviolability," Really?
As the Great Cartman once said "RESPECT MY AU-THOR-I-TAE!!!"
Glad she is getting her comeuppance just another Skank with a halfway decent body and a above average face who thinks she controls the world she got what she deserved.
How dare you call that high powered hooker a skank?! :D
So True... It seems Half naked FBI Agent Humphries and her should be put in a cell for about 4-5 days together....... "Poetic Justice".
In the picture it looks like she has four nipples or is that the design of the dress?
Looks like 4 nipples to me. lol, you made me look.
Well, the dress does have darts in front so it could be that . . . or 4 nipples. Gen. Allen would know.
Half way descent? You are way too generous.
I can't wait for Broadwell and Kelly to show up in a cage match, or on WWF! "Let's get ready to RUMBLE!!!!"
Winner gets Petraeus after his divorce!!!
I didn't read the article -- just the headline. My only thought was, "Gee, ya think?????"
Glad to see the posts so far are so lacking in judgmental ignorance. For a moment I was concerned we'd have to see nothing but inflammatory stupidity.
be patient Randy....it will evolve.....someone will even make the "coal-gasification" connection soon as well. this thing just keeps on giving. i bet the reporters get hard just thinking about all the different spins and twists this gal provides.
Inflammatory stupidity can usually be treated with a combination of Ibuprofen and Aricept. The stupidity will improve for a short while, but will inevitably progress until the person is only comfortable watching Fox News!
OK, other than socializing with high ranking people and using her influence to prevent some stupid shock jock from deep frying Qoran's at the request of GEN Allen, what exactly did she do that brings out such comments?
She didn't break any laws, have an affair, pass classified information, etc. What did she do to bring out such nasty comments from you people?
Apparently, she screwed her way to the middle.
She did something under the table at a party. The General's mistress SAW IT - OMG!!! What are the text symbols for dagger eyes? !<o†o>!
Just one of her inappropriate behaviors!
Not illegal. She has a right to charge a fee for her services. In D.C., it's all about who you know. She knows GEN Petraeus and can therefor drop his name. Not illegal.
Desertbro- What did she do under the table at a party? Was it illegal? The source of that story is questionable at best and will probably result in a slander lawsuit.
Still, calling her a skank and a whore is inappropriate at best.
Todd, as we all learned in kindergarten, calling others mean names is never acceptable. However, calling women gender-specific nasty names is a Newsvine collective hobby. Having said that- Jill Kelley no longer has her "honorary title"-yay!!!
Ms Kelly, the housewife, had no security clearance, no military background, no real business background. She was a "social liason"......it sounds like a Madam or hooker to me.
To become a socialite, one needs style and grace. She had neither. She tried to fake it, and it bit her. Hard.
While her behavior may not be technically 'illegal', it is distasteful, inappropriate, opportunistic, and judging by HER OWN words in that ridiculous 911 call, deluded.
Not deserving of association or 'friend of' title of any military service members, especially of high rank, nor obviously of any honorary diplomatic title bestowed on her in error.
Those objecting to the term 'whore': try not to think of that word in the classic sense, and I know it's not easy by looking at her. Modern usage of that term has nothing to do with sex and everything to do with a person's honor, reputation or integrity and applies equally to either gender.
I would say in this case HER OWN actions sacrificed her honor, reputation and integrity in search of a fat payoff. THAT is precisely the modern definition of a whore.
She did not do anything "inadvertently". She is a tramp who used her decent looks to get everything she wants: attention, position, notoriety. She is a no good bitch who is after everything that will bring her an opportunity to have her picture taken. What she did was absurd and what she is gonna get will be a karma filled bitch slapdown of epic proportions. I have no doubt that there is a naked centerfold or second fiddle "c" rated porn film in her future.
If her life to date is "everything she wants", she's not just a tramp. She's a stupid tramp.
Have you seen anything she has said? Look at her think she has some sort of diplomatic immunity because she was made an "Honorary Consul". Stupidity like that is bound to be mocked.
She can't even speak correctly. I expect high intelligence out of people when they are recognized like that and she does not deliver at all. A true waste. She is kinda cute though so I wouldn't kick her out of bed. I MAY ask her how she is getting home in the morning though because I am not paying cab fare.
poor poor kelly maybe she can get a job as a consul in NORTH Korea. bet fat boy would go for it.
Bad girl....go to my room.......
The snakes usually show their true colors when they come out of their holes. "Red on black, friend of Jack. Red on yellow, kill a fella." Petraeus should have paid attention to his military and Scout training. Looks like she wasn't an "Honorary Consul" but a dedicated influence peddler who used her sexual attraction (and probably seductiveness) and access to power figures to manipulate people so she could get money and more influence. I get the feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg especially for politics. Is this the "new normal"?
I agree with the tip of the iceberg, but I doubt that we will ever see much, if any, of what is below the surface.
Pandora6
I'll bet my last dime this is not first, last, or 100th time this has played out with people in positions of power. I suspect we only find out about this seedy business when someone makes a whopping mistake like calling your friend over at the FBI to "Look into this".
I'm with you all the way in your theory. This is so clear that Ray Charles could see it.
Welcome to the new normal... and have a cigar my friend. Take a seat cause the shows about to begin.
Ding-dong the witch is dead ............ what a cronk! The crockadillapig from hell! She was peddling a hell of a lot more than just "influence".
Like what? And you know this how? Please give us the source of your information. The Inquirer doesn't count.
OMG! Even the Koreans are out to get me.
I don't understand. I'm still sexy.
Jill is looking quite perky today ... or maybe it's very cold outside ... or both .... but whatever the case, she looks absolutely great in pink!!
Another scumbag who has benefited from Obama taking office. A fine example of someone with zero experience being either hired or appointed to a position that they have no business holding.
How does Obama have anything to do with this? You are very ignorant.
Overunderwear, what are you talking about? Really, you are that stupid? Oh, wait, you thought Romney was a sure thing cause Fox news told you. Nevermind, I don't to be accused of picking on the mentaly disabled.
Gilberte is leaving Florida, she is sick and tired of the Army BS. She is going to Hawaii, she heard the Navy is easy.
More Obama related scum rat filth. Everything connected to 1600 Penn is dirty.
Um, she has been riding on REPUBLICAN coat tails.
Kelley's actually a Republican, so far as anyone can tell. She's a close friend (or was) of both Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. Interestingly, so is Paula Broadwell (she considered a Senate run as a Republican). Petraeus is a Dem, of course..
Um, Mr/Ms Urban - the "blame it on Obama" game is all over, as well as the shouting. As was previously stated, the "boys" involved are/were affiliated with the GOP.
Don't bother trying to explain anything to urban, people like that will never get it, just the the GOP.
"Jill Kelley, the Tampa, Fla., socialite who inadvertently" launched a thousand "lips!"
She is kinda hot...sort of a Sandra Bullock with nice tits. :-)
This socialite earned and deserved a smack down... A serious blow to her ego, no doubt! Those legal fees are going to keep piling up as investigations continue...
Florida DMV wants their Honorary Consul license plate returned!!
She can certainly toss a MEAN look.
I wonder who else is an 'honorary consul' and what they are doing with their title.
LOL..They said "sack". I wonder if the pun was intended.
Made me laugh out loud!!!
Peddling is all Washington doe's and goe's NOWHERE.
Jill's circle of influence and trust just evaporated! Poof!! Gone.
I doubt there will be any more lavish parties at the Jull and Scott Kelley house in the near future. My guess is that she will avoid holiday parties this year.
Don't forget that she is still part of the investigation into the Patreaus affair. Those legal fees will keep coming...
From what I read, the Kelley's already have a pile of financial concerns.
Jill Kelley appears to require a lot of financial maintenance.
Maybe Lil' Jill can go on a "stained dress" tour... Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, etc. can provide her with free advertising and photo ops... ;-)
She is finished in that town, so she will probably move. Since she is now "notorious", I doubt she can restart her socialite life anywhere in this country.
She looks like someone pissed in her wheaties..........
This is a terrible tragedy. She has done so well sucking up the chain of command.
On behalf of fighter pilots everywhere, she will always be welcome in the stag bar.
Wait a minute, there are no more stag bars!
CIA chief helping another country get billion dollar deals through a sexy female volunteer while having an affair with another female...............The Secret Service guys wanting to fool prostitues in another country while on duty.....Gee, truley, God Bless America........................Does America really need enemies?