UPDATE – Manchin’s Office Confirms Subpoenas

By westvirginia on August 6, 2010
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Gov. Joe Manchin‘s office confirmed today that state government officials have been contacted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office this week regarding an ongoing investigation. The target may be Manchin himself, according to a source who asked to remain anonymous.

According to Manchin Spokesman Melvin Smith, federal authorities contacted state officials for information regarding an ongoing investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, Smith was unable to say more at the request of attorneys.

“The State is cooperating fully,” said Smith in a phone conversation.

As reported earlier, a government source said Manchin was subpoenaed as part of a federal grand jury investigation. The subpoenas asked for contracts and records for businesses that have done work at the governor’s mansion as well as provided services for parties there. The investigation is into whether Manchin has complied with bidding and state contract requirements.

Manchin is in his last term after being reelected in 2008. Three weeks ago he filed as a Democratic candidate for the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, along with House of Delegate candidate Sheirl Fletcher and former Congressman and Secretary of State Ken Hechler.

UPDATE: State Journal now reporting that Manchin Spokesperson Melvin Smith says “he was not aware of the governor or any other state employee being under investigation.”

The Charleston Daily Mail includes details on other actions By Manchin’s office that have garnered the attention of federal investigators.

UPDATE TWO: The Governor’s office has released the following updated statement confirming they received two federal subpoenas:

“The State of West Virginia was served this week with two federal subpoenas.

“Neither subpoena was directed to Governor Manchin or the Governor’s Office.  No individual in the Governor’s Office was served with a subpoena.

“The Governor has directed State officials to fully cooperate and comply expeditiously.

“Governor Manchin wants to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as possible.

“The State has not been informed that Governor Manchin or any other state employee is under investigation.”

According to The Charleston Gazette, the subpoenas were directed towards the Department of Administration and the Division of Highways.

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Posted under Ethics, Featured, Fraud, Governor, News, Transparency.
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10 Comments For This Post So Far

  1. bobny
    12:39 pm on August 9th, 2010

    about time someone caught up with this man and his ways

Trackbacks

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