An Internal Revenue Service employee resigned from her position to blow the whistle on a severe rodent infestation that saw employees sitting on top of their desks at a federal office facility in Georgia.
Sydney Monger, who worked at the IRS facility on Chamblee Tucker Road for eight months, stepped down after conditions reportedly deteriorated rapidly following Memorial Day weekend.
Former coworkers have since been documented sitting on top of their desks to avoid touching the floor, amidst claims that some employees have fallen ill due to the conditions.
“After Memorial Day they just came out the woodwork,” Monger told ABC affiliate WSB-TV. “They were just everywhere. It’s hot, it stank, they’re pooping everywhere. It’s nasty.”
Visual evidence shared by the former federal worker shows dead rodents, widespread droppings and numerous traps deployed throughout the property.
According to Monger, the standard traps used by management have proven ineffective against the size of the rodents inside the structure, though additional black bait stations have been positioned around the exterior perimeter of the building.
The former employee said that she encountered only a single rodent during the majority of her tenure until the situation escalated rapidly.
“They’re just out and terrorizing everybody, running over people’s feet, falling out of ceilings,” Monger said.
Federal officials have acknowledged the structural and sanitary issues at the site. An IRS spokesperson told the outlet that management was dealing with an aging facility and was actively taking steps to address the rodent presence.
In an official statement, the agency confirmed it had received multiple internal complaints regarding the conditions.
“Like any large building in an urban environment, it can face pest-related challenges,” the agency stated. “The IRS is working to investigate and remediate the situation.”
For Monger, the health risks associated with the workplace ultimately prompted her departure, particularly as colleagues began experiencing illnesses.
“I’m scared to bring something back to my kids, you know?” Monger said. “I got babies, I can’t be playing. There’s already viruses out there.”
The Independent has contacted the Internal Revenue Service for comment.
