A federal grand jury is examining evidence that Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) broke the law by taking part in a scheme which reimbursed individuals who made contributions to his campaign, the New York Times reported. The paper said that FBI agents and the IRS had been in touch with former employees who alleged financial improprieties by Buchanan.
The Florida Republican has already been facing a House Ethics Committee probe into his conduct. While the Federal Election Commission found there wasn’t enough evidence to pursue a case against him for campaign finance violations, a report from the FEC’s general counsel found he did not give credible testimony.
A lawyer for Buchanan called the multiple investigations a “political witch hunt.”
“His political enemies are growing increasingly desperate and making all these accusations against him,” William J. McGinley told the NYT.
