A difficult childhood inspired Special Agent Lawrence Gott to a pursue a career in which he could protect children and victims of abuse. Having served as an officer at the municipal and federal level, Special Agent Gott is now assigned to the McAllen, Texas, Field Office with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS/OIG). 

Along the Texas border, HHS/OIG has oversight of facilities that house unaccompanied minors while they are awaiting placement with sponsors. For the area of his responsibility, Special Agent Gott is the primary evaluator of complaints and allegations occurring in the facilities, including child sexual abuse, human trafficking, grant funding fraud, and employee misconduct. Recognizing the recent increase in complaints affected all HHS/OIG offices in Texas, he volunteered to serve as an advisor to regional special agents in charge to provide advice on investigative steps, connect management with external points of contact, train regional agents, and coordinate with headquarters personnel. He routinely works in collaboration with the Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force on investigations. Special Agent Gott has utilized his National Child Advocacy Center child forensic interview training in his investigations, resulting in recommendations for changes to the HHS program to better protect minors, locate missing and runaway children, and convict those who exploit children. 

Special Agent Gott’s passion for helping others is also demonstrated through his participation with the HHS/OIG Peer Support Team. He is commonly requested to provide support after critical incidents and has been invited to provide support during National Police Week events several times. 

“I hope my story gives [child victims] hope that there is more in their future than being a victim.”