Dover mortuary report due January

WASHINGTON (AP) - It will be mid-January before the Office of Special Counsel completes its investigation into whether supervisors at the Dover, Del., military mortuary retaliated against three whistle-blowers who reported that body parts were mishandled.

Counsel spokeswoman Ann O'Hanlon says the report likely will address whether improper actions were taken against the workers and whether corrective actions are needed. It also may recommend whether additional disciplinary actions should be taken against the three supervisors who were punished for the problems.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has asked Air Force Secretary Michael Donley to review the disciplinary action taken against the supervisors. Defense officials say Donley will wait for the counsel report before taking any action. He is expected to complete his review about 30 days after the counsel report is finished.