WASHINGTON (7News) – A two-year I-Team investigation into alleged corruption within the District’s beauty and barber licensing system has taken a new turn. At a press event Monday, Mayor Muriel Bowser refused to directly answer questions about ongoing federal and local probes into the sale of bogus cosmetology licenses through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
Press Conference Confrontation
The exchange unfolded when 7News I-Team Investigator Scott Taylor attempted to question DLCP Director Tiffany Crowe about the scandal.
“I have a question for Director Crowe,” Taylor began.
“What’s your question?” Bowser interjected.
Taylor continued: “There is an FBI investigation in your department right now. An Inspector General’s Office investigation. Your own internal investigation into selling bogus cosmetology licenses out the back door over a year ago. I wanted to know what your department has done so that isn’t happening.”
Rather than allowing Crowe to respond, Bowser cut in: “We’re happy to have somebody follow up with you.”
The moment underscored the administration’s reluctance to publicly discuss details of the investigations.
A Former Board Member’s Admission
The case gained traction in 2023, when Olivia French, a former member of the D.C. Board of Barber and Cosmetology, admitted to selling fake licenses.
“Which you now know was wrong to do, right?” Taylor asked her during an interview.
“Absolutely. And I’m guilty. And I’m ready to pay the price,” French replied.
French alleged she worked with a DLCP employee to access fraudulent licenses, which she then sold for $4,000 each. She also admitted to taking mandatory exams for students, enabling unqualified applicants to bypass training requirements.
High Stakes for Students and Professionals
Currently, aspiring cosmetologists in D.C. must complete 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved school, an education that often costs upward of $23,000. For those seeking shortcuts, the underground market for fake licenses represented a way to avoid years of training and thousands of dollars in tuition.
Critics argue that such corruption not only undermines the integrity of professional licensing but also places the public at risk. Licensed beauty professionals handle chemicals, sharp tools, and treatments that require skill and safety training. Bogus credentials could jeopardize consumer safety across the District.
New Licensing Reforms Announced
Ironically, Monday’s press event was called to announce reductions in classroom requirements for cosmetology licensing. Bowser described the initiative as part of a broader effort to modernize licensing and make it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the industry.
DLCP spokesperson Charles Basham III released a statement defending the agency’s actions.
“The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) referred this matter to the appropriate authorities nearly three years ago,” he said. “This new beauty industry initiative is part of the agency’s broader commitment to modernizing professional licensing by supporting entrepreneurs through common-sense reforms.”
Silence From Investigators
While Bowser sidestepped questions, the D.C. Office of the Inspector General declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the probe. The FBI has not publicly confirmed details of its investigation.
For now, the scandal continues to raise questions about accountability, oversight, and how deep the misconduct may run inside the agency tasked with regulating the city’s professional licensing.
Leave a Reply