Robert Lawler serves as the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations – Field Operations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG). In this role, Mr. Lawler helps oversee nationwide criminal and civil investigative activities addressing fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct impacting HUD programs and operations.

Mr. Lawler offers more than 20 years of experience leading complex investigative efforts across federal oversight, law enforcement, and national security missions. Most recently, he served as Acting Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations in Field Operations, directing investigative work across multiple regions. Since joining HUD OIG in 2009, Mr. Lawler has led significant criminal and civil fraud investigations and completed an assignment with the Office of Special Inquiry, where he oversaw multidisciplinary teams conducting enterprise‑level investigations into senior official misconduct, conflicts of interest, and whistleblower matters. His leadership roles include serving as Special Agent in Charge of the Southwest Region, Special Agent in Charge of the Investigative Support Division, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Houston, Texas. He has additionally served as a Regional Firearms Instructor and holds multiple certifications in firearms, officer tactics, use of force, and force science analysis.
Prior to his service with HUD OIG, Mr. Lawler was a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), where he conducted and supervised investigations involving violent crime, narcotics, fraud, counterintelligence, and protective service operations. He deployed to Afghanistan to lead a joint AFOSI/U.S. Army counterintelligence team supporting 11 bases in eastern Afghanistan, where he developed strategies for highly sensitive counterinsurgency operations.

Mr. Lawler began his federal service in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member, completing two tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2004. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Park University. His extensive experience across military, law enforcement, and oversight roles positions him to further strengthen investigative operations at HUD OIG.