The U.S. Secret Service is investigating news reports alleging that about a dozen agents paid for the services of prostitutes while in El Salvador last year.

An official who spoke under condition of anonymity told the Associated Press that the agency is verifying the accuracy of the reports.

Seattle's KIRO-TV reported this week, quoting a government subcontractor, that agents in the Central American country, where they were providing advance security ahead of a presidential visit, took part in activities similar to what allegedly happened in Colombia ahead of President Barack Obama's Cartagena trip.

Twelve agents, including two supervisors, were implicated in the Colombian prostitution scandal that came to light on April 12 after a fight between a prostitute and an agent. Twelve military personnel involved had their security clearance suspended.

The new prostitution scandal broke after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that the Colombian scandal was a "huge disappointment to the men and women of the Secret Service."